American Citizen Deported from Bali After Overstaying, Claims Mental Health Issues

The deportation decision came after JRA reported himself to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, stating he had forgotten to extend his visa due to mental health challenges. However, Head of the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center, Gede Dudy Duwita, emphasized that ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense for immigration violations.

"The principle of 'ignorantia juris non excusat' applies here. Everyone, including foreign nationals, is required to follow the laws in Indonesia," Dudy said in a press release on Thursday (November 14).

According to Dudy, JRA was deported via Ngurah Rai International Airport in Badung, Bali, with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as his final destination. Before deportation, JRA had been held in the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center since early November 2024 after being handed over by Ngurah Rai Immigration officials.

"During his detention, immigration processed all necessary documents to ensure a smooth return. JRA was ultimately deported under strict escort by detention center personnel," Dudy explained.

JRA reportedly entered Indonesia in June 2024 on a Visa on Arrival, initially planning to explore Bali’s tourist hotspots, including Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu. However, within two weeks of his arrival, he began experiencing mental health issues that affected his ability to manage time. When he realized his visa had expired, he attempted an online extension but faced technical issues with the system.

In a last effort, JRA sought help from a visa agency that charged a fee to handle his extension, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Left without options, he consulted the U.S. Embassy, which advised him either to pay the overstay fine or to report to immigration for deportation processing. Lacking funds to cover the fine, JRA opted to report to the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office. During his examination, it was confirmed that he had overstayed by 82 days.

"According to his visa, JRA should have left Indonesia in mid-August 2024. However, his reported mental health condition caused him to lose track of time, leading him to forget to extend his stay permit," added Dudy.

Along with deportation, JRA was also subject to a re-entry ban, pending further decision by the Directorate General of Immigration. This decision is aligned with Article 102 of Indonesia’s Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011, which allows a re-entry ban for up to six months, renewable for similar periods, or even a lifetime ban if the individual is deemed a potential threat to public order and safety.

This case highlights a complex balance between mental health concerns and legal enforcement. While individuals with mental health issues may require compassion and support, immigration rules are upheld to ensure public safety and national order. Despite cases like this, Bali remains a highly popular tourist destination, with local and national governments continually working to strengthen oversight of foreign visitors to prevent legal violations.

“All visitors, including foreign nationals, are expected to understand and adhere to the legal regulations of the country they visit. Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law, especially in the realm of immigration, which directly impacts national order,” Dudy concluded. *ris