Working in Indonesia without the correct visa or permit has become one of the most common reasons foreigners face deportation today. Immigration offices across Indonesia—especially in Bali and Jakarta—have intensified enforcement against those who misuse tourist visas, investor permits, or social visas for work-related activities.
In the first half of 2024, immigration authorities reported more than 1,500 deportations, and a significant percentage were linked to foreigners working without the proper documents. From freelancers and digital nomads to entrepreneurs and content creators, many underestimate how strict Indonesian regulations can be.
This article explains what happens when you work without the correct visa, how deportation procedures work, and what both individuals and companies must do to stay compliant.
What “Working Without the Correct Visa” Really Means in Indonesia
Indonesia’s immigration system is governed by Law No. 6 of 2011, which gives the government the authority to deport and blacklist foreigners who violate visa conditions. Under this law, the definition of “work” is broad. It includes any activity that produces income, promotes a business, or offers a service—whether paid or unpaid.
Common activities considered “work” in Indonesia include:
- Doing freelance projects or remote work while on a tourist visa
- Participating in photoshoots, content creation, or social media promotion
- Operating or helping to run a business
- Teaching, coaching, consulting, or giving workshops without a permit
- Handling operational roles while holding an investor KITAS
Even if the income is earned from overseas clients, the physical act of working inside Indonesian territory may still be treated as a violation if the visa does not allow professional activity.
Why Indonesia Is Increasing Deportations for Illegal Work
Immigration offices across the country now conduct routine checks in tourist hotspots, coworking spaces, cafés, events, and villas. Much of the rise in enforcement has been triggered by:
- Viral social media cases showing foreigners working illegally
- An increase in remote workers and digital nomads misusing tourist visas
- Foreign-owned businesses operating without proper permits
- Government initiatives to protect local job opportunities
- Public complaints filed through immigration reporting channels
In places like Bali, immigration frequently publishes deportation cases involving:
- Foreigners acting as tour guides on a VOA
- Yoga instructors giving classes without permits
- Content creators conducting paid collaborations
- Business owners running daily operations while on an investor KITAS
Officials have publicly stated that these enforcement efforts will not slow down anytime soon.
What Visa You Actually Need to Work Legally in Indonesia
To work legally in Indonesia, a foreigner must go through a multi-step process supported by an employer or sponsor. The essential documents include:
1. RPTKA (Foreign Manpower Utilization Plan)
Before hiring a foreign employee, an Indonesian company must obtain approval from the Ministry of Manpower. This plan outlines the position, responsibilities, and justification for hiring a foreign national.
2. Work Permit (IMTA)
Once the RPTKA is approved, the employer applies for an IMTA. This is the official license that allows the company to employ a foreign worker.
3. KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)
After IMTA approval, the foreigner receives a KITAS, which grants legal right to stay and work in Indonesia for the duration of their contract.
Without these documents, any form of work is considered illegal.
What About Investor KITAS Holders?
This is where many foreigners misunderstand the rules. An Investor KITAS:
- Allows share ownership
- Allows high-level decision-making roles
- Allows serving as a commissioner or director
BUT it does not allow operational work.
If an investor is seen managing staff, handling customer service, doing marketing, or performing day-to-day business tasks, immigration may consider it illegal work. Several deportation cases have involved investor KITAS holders who crossed this line unintentionally.
What Happens If You Work Without the Correct Visa? (Step-by-Step)
When a foreigner is suspected of illegal work, the following process generally occurs:
1. Initial Inspection or Field Inquiry
Immigration officers may approach the individual during work activities or at a reported location. They can request:
- Passport
- Visa type
- KITAS documents
- Proof of employment or business activity
Failure to provide clear documentation can trigger immediate further action.
2. Detention or Temporary Custody
If immigration finds strong evidence of visa misuse, the foreigner may be taken to an immigration office or detention center. Detention can last for hours or days depending on the investigation.
3. Administrative Review and Assessment
Immigration will assess:
- Whether the foreigner worked illegally
- Whether they overstayed
- Whether the employer facilitated the violation
- Whether the case includes document fraud or other offenses
If the case is straightforward (e.g., working on a tourist visa), the decision often moves quickly.
4. Deportation Order Issued
If the violation is confirmed, immigration will issue a deportation order. This includes:
- Required removal from Indonesia
- Escort to the departure terminal
- Processing of fingerprints and documentation
- Official entry into the national immigration violation database
5. Blacklisting / Re-Entry Ban
Deportation usually comes with a temporary ban from entering Indonesia. The duration can range from:
- 6 months
- 1–5 years
- Up to 10 years
- Lifetime bans in severe cases
The re-entry ban length depends on the seriousness of the violation.
Can You Face Criminal Charges for Working Without a Visa?
Most people only face administrative sanctions, but some cases do escalate to criminal prosecution.
Criminal charges may apply if:
- The foreigner falsified documents
- The employer intentionally hired illegal workers
- There are elements of fraud or exploitation
- The individual has repeated violations
- The case involves organized or commercial illegal operations
Criminal penalties may include imprisonment or substantial fines. While these cases are less common, they do happen when immigration considers the violation serious.
Consequences for Employers Who Hire Foreigners Illegally
Employers face risks as well. Hiring foreigners without proper RPTKA, IMTA, and KITAS can result in:
- Administrative penalties
- Heavy fines
- Suspension of business licenses
- Immigration monitoring
- Legal examinations involving company directors
Companies that repeatedly violate manpower and immigration regulations can be blacklisted from hiring foreign workers in the future.
This makes compliance especially important for PT and PT PMA businesses.
How to Avoid Deportation: Practical Compliance Tips
Staying compliant in Indonesia is not difficult if you follow the rules. Here are essential steps to avoid visa issues:
- Always apply for the correct visa before doing any work activity
- Do not conduct paid collaborations, coaching, or content creation on a tourist visa
- Ensure your employer completes the full RPTKA → IMTA → KITAS process
- If you hold an Investor KITAS, avoid daily operational work
- Keep your passport and KITAS accessible at all times
- Be careful about what you post online—social media is monitored
- Consult professionals if your role or activities change
A small misunderstanding of what counts as “work” can lead to serious immigration consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Indonesia on a tourist visa?
Immigration may consider remote work a violation if the activity generates income while you are physically in Indonesia. It is safest to use a visa that clearly permits professional activities.
Is an Investor KITAS enough to run my business?
You may make strategic decisions, but you cannot engage in operational tasks. Many deportations involve investor KITAS holders unknowingly doing operational work.
How long will I be banned after deportation?
Typically between 6 months and 10 years, depending on the nature of the violation.
Will I get deported if I overstayed?
Overstays under 60 days usually incur fines, but overstays beyond 60 days often lead directly to deportation.
What visa do I need to work legally in Indonesia?
You need employer-sponsored RPTKA, IMTA, and KITAS approval. Without these, you are not permitted to work.
Conclusion
Indonesia welcomes foreign talent, investors, and professionals—but it expects strict respect for immigration rules. Working without the correct visa can result in detention, deportation, and long-term re-entry bans. The good news is that compliance is entirely achievable when the correct permits are in place.
Understanding the legal framework and applying for the proper visa is the only safe way to work in Indonesia. Whether you are a foreign professional or a company hiring global talent, compliance protects your future.
If you need help understanding which visa is right for your situation—or if your company wants to ensure its hiring processes comply with Indonesian regulations—CPT Corporate is here to assist.
We provide:
- RPTKA & IMTA processing
- Work KITAS & Investor KITAS
- PT PMA setup and compliance
- Immigration audit and risk assessment
- End-to-end corporate support for foreign-owned businesses
Contact CPT Corporate today for a consultation and ensure your stay or your business operations in Indonesia are fully legal and protected.
