Eyewitness Immigration
Denpasar – The ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East continues to cause significant disruption to international aviation. The closure of several flight corridors in the region has led to the cancellation of various flight routes to and from Bali. In response, the Bali Regional Office (Kanwil) of the Directorate General of Immigration ensures that services and supervision for affected foreign nationals (WNA) across Bali remain optimal and well-managed.
Current data reveals that the escalation of the conflict has resulted in at least 40 flight cancellations from Bali to Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi between February 28 and March 8, 2026. This situation has directly stranded a number of foreigners in Bali, preventing them from returning to their home countries or continuing their journeys.
As a follow-up action, as of Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Bali Immigration Regional Office—through the Ngurah Rai and Denpasar Immigration Offices—has issued 270 Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) and granted 35 overstay fee waivers (Rp0,-) to foreigners who meet the emergency administrative requirements.
To ensure the comfort, security, and legal certainty of the affected foreigners, the Bali Immigration Regional Office has implemented several strategic measures, including:
• Proactive Mobilization: Instructing all Immigration Technical Implementation Units (UPT) within the Bali Regional Office to remain on standby, act proactively, and respond swiftly to evolving situations on the ground.
• Enhanced Support Channels: Maximizing complaint channels (call centers, social media, and direct help desks) and providing full assistance to guide affected foreigners regarding their immigration status.
Streamlined “Sameday Service”: Implementing a one-day completion service for the issuance of ITKTs to provide rapid legal certainty during the emergency. Additionally, foreigners are permitted to process ITKT services at any Immigration Office in Bali, regardless of their registered domicile or place of residence.
Bali immigration pledges humanistic approach amid middle east conflict disruptions
• Ensuring close monitoring of affected foreign nationals as a preemptive measure against potential social issues, public order violations, or the misuse of stay permits under the guise of emergency circumstances.
The Head of the Bali Regional Office for the Directorate General of Immigration, Felucia Sengky Ratna, emphasized her institution’s commitment to handling the current situation with an approach that is both humanistic and firm, in accordance with existing regulations.
”We understand the difficult situation faced by foreign nationals due to the force majeure currently unfolding in the Middle East. Therefore, the Bali Immigration ranks are fully committed to being proactive in providing clear, easy, and fast immigration services. However, at the same time, we are ensuring strict field supervision to maintain peace and order in Bali, leaving no room for the exploitation of rules,” Sengky stated.
The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration urges all foreign nationals affected by flight cancellations to remain calm and immediately report to the nearest Immigration Office before their stay permits expire, while continuing to comply with Indonesian laws and regulations.
Reporter Daniel Herry
This is the time for tourists to realise how important it is to have travel insurance when going for holiday. With this situation at the moment, travel insurance would cover everything with the cost that they spend when stuck in Bali. Thanks for giving us information on what’s going on in Bali right now👍🙏.