BALI, INDONESIA 6/10/2025, WorldWartaGlobal. Id
A massive alleged fraud case has emerged in Bali, ensnaring hundreds of foreign nationals (WNA) who are now facing overstay penalties after dealing with a prominent local visa agency. The victims claim to have surrendered their passports and significant funds for visa processing services, only to be left without their documents and out of pocket.
To date, 85 foreigners have officially reported being affected, with the total number of victims believed to be in the hundreds. The case has prompted the Legal Aid Institute of FKPPI (LBH FKPPI) to step in and announce comprehensive legal action on their behalf.
According to gathered information, the victims, who hail from various countries, entrusted the agency with processing their stay permit extensions. They handed over their original passports and paid substantial fees, reaching tens of millions of rupiah per person. However, promises of returned, processed documents have not been fulfilled.
The current whereabouts of the passports and the funds remain unknown. This situation has placed the affected foreigners in a precarious legal position. Without passports and with expired visas, they are now illegally in the country, facing a high risk of deportation, substantial fines, and potentially being blacklisted by Indonesian Immigration.
LBH FKPPI Intervenes, Prepares Civil and Criminal Lawsuits
In response to the scale and complexity of the case, LBH FKPPI has declared its readiness to provide full legal accompaniment for the victims.
"We have received numerous complaints from aggrieved foreign nationals. We are currently gathering data and supporting evidence to build a strong case. The names of the victims and the agency in question are temporarily being withheld to protect the ongoing legal process," an official statement from LBH FKPPI to WartaGlobalBali.Id on Monday (10/6/2025) explained.
The institute revealed that it will soon pursue a dual-track legal approach: filing a civil lawsuit to reclaim the lost funds and seek other material damages, and pursuing criminal charges by reporting the alleged perpetrators to the police for suspected fraud and embezzlement.
Restorative Justice Proposed for Swift Victim Relief
In addition to formal legal proceedings, LBH FKPPI is also advocating for a resolution through a Restorative Justice (RJ) mechanism. This approach aims to restore the victims' losses more swiftly without replacing the main legal process.
"The principle of Restorative Justice is to bring the victims and the perpetrator (or their representatives) together to seek a fair solution. In this context, we hope for a commitment from the agency to immediately return the victims' passports and funds. This is a concrete step to alleviate the suffering of those threatened with overstay," the statement added.
The RJ mechanism is expected to run in parallel with the criminal process, ensuring that victims not only get legal certainty but also a quicker restoration of their rights.
A Call for Tighter Oversight of Visa Agencies
This incident is seen not just as an individual legal matter but as an alarm bell for the weak oversight of visa agency practices in Bali. LBH FKPPI hopes this case will serve as a momentum for all stakeholders, including the government and professional associations, to tighten supervision.
"We urge for stricter certification and guidance for visa agents. Foreign nationals who wish to reside and contribute to Indonesia must be protected and given legal certainty. Their trust in our legal system should not be betrayed by irresponsible individuals," a representative of LBH emphasized.
Authorities are believed to be conducting a deep investigation into the reports. WartaGlobalBali.Id will continue to monitor the developments of this case and provide further updates.
For Affected Individuals:
Foreign nationals who believe they are victims of a similar scam and require legal assistance are encouraged to contact LBH FKPPI through its official channels for further coordination.
#BaliVisaScam #ForeignersInBali #LBHFKPPI #RestorativeJustice #IndonesiaImmigration**
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