BALI - The Indonesian authorities have deported 47 people as tourist destination Bali cracks down on foreigners misusing their visas to work.

The 47 people, of whom 13 are Russian, were deported for violating their stay conditions and misusing the residence permit.

One Ukrainian citizen is undergoing court process after being found holding a fake Indonesian national ID, said Mr Anggiat Napitupulu, the regional head for the legal ministry.

Bali is stepping up law enforcement against foreigners, even banning them from riding motorcycles after a string of deadly accidents.

Over the weekend, hundreds of law enforcement officers kicked off a five-day operation to crack down on criminal activities, especially among tourists, ahead of the Balinese day of silence on Wednesday.

Deportation remains the last resort, Mr Napitupulu said. “If someone does not wear a helmet, should they be deported? If the same foreigner keeps doing that, maybe,” he added. 

The government is still welcoming Russian and Ukrainian citizens to enter via its visa on arrival programme, despite public calls to revoke their permits.

Indonesians have called out foreigners for traffic infringements, including unruly behaviour on roads and not wearing helmets, as well as for illegally working while on tourist visas. BLOOMBERG