BULELENG, Bali – Indonesian immigration authorities have deported an Australian national after accusing him of working as a yoga and meditation instructor while visiting Bali on a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which does not permit employment.

The 55-year-old Australian, identified by his initials PJ, entered Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival valid until Aug. 24, 2026. According to the Singaraja Immigration Office, an investigation found that he had organised and led a yoga and meditation retreat despite holding a visa intended only for short-term visits.

Officials said PJ conducted a seven-day retreat titled “7 Day Inner Growth” at Villa Boreh in Tejakula, Buleleng Regency, from July 27 to Aug. 2, where he also served as a meditation instructor.

“Every foreign national must use a visa and stay permit that match the purpose of their visit. Any violation will be handled in accordance with applicable immigration laws,” Singaraja Immigration Office head Anak Agung Gde Kusuma Putra said in a statement.

Immigration authorities said the activities were inconsistent with the conditions of PJ’s stay permit, prompting administrative sanctions in the form of deportation. Officials have also proposed placing him on Indonesia’s immigration blacklist, which would prevent him from re-entering the country.

The action was taken under Indonesia’s Immigration Law, which allows authorities to sanction foreigners who misuse their stay permits or engage in activities that differ from the purpose for which their visas were granted.

The Singaraja Immigration Office, which oversees Buleleng, Karangasem and Jembrana regencies, said the case forms part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration regulations and ensure foreign nationals comply with the conditions of their visas while staying in Indonesia.

Immigration authorities added that they would continue working with local governments, law enforcement agencies and the Foreigners Supervision Team (Timpora) to monitor the activities of foreign nationals across the region.