Aussies face life in prison under Bali's strict new laws
- Operation Jagratara has been launched by the Indonesian Department of Immigration to enforce stricter immigration laws.
- Tourists violating visa regulations can now face penalties of up to 20 years in prison, a significant increase from previous sentences.
- The initiative aims to deter visa overstays and has already resulted in 400 deportations this year, highlighting the seriousness of the new laws.
In Indonesia, a new crackdown on immigration laws has been initiated, significantly increasing penalties for visa violations. The Indonesian Department of Immigration launched Operation Jagratara, which aims to enforce stricter regulations on tourists who overstay their visas or breach other laws. Previously, offenses could result in six months to a year of imprisonment, but now, penalties can reach up to 20 years. This initiative comes in response to a growing number of tourists violating immigration rules, with 400 deportations already recorded this year. To bolster enforcement, 125 officers have been deployed across Bali, equipped with patrol vehicles and firearms for self-protection against potential threats. The crackdown is primarily aimed at those who overstay their visas for extended periods, while most visitors who comply with visa regulations will not be affected. The increased presence of immigration checkpoints and armed officers serves as a warning to tourists about the serious consequences of non-compliance with Indonesian laws.