Denpasar. Bali immigration authorities have waived overstay fines for dozens of foreign nationals stranded on the island due to ongoing disruptions to international flights caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

The Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration granted exemptions to 35 foreigners who overstayed their visas after flight routes to several destinations were suspended following the US-Israel attack on Iran on Feb. 28.

“They have fulfilled the emergency administrative requirements,” said Bali Immigration Office head Felucia Sengky Ratna in Denpasar on Monday.

Under Indonesia’s immigration law, foreigners who overstay their visas for fewer than 60 days are normally fined Rp 1 million (around $60) per day. 

In addition to the fee waiver, Bali immigration offices have issued Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) to 270 foreign nationals at Ngurah Rai and Denpasar offices. This allows affected foreigners to obtain emergency stay permits and overstay fee exemptions.

Foreign nationals applying for the service must provide documents, including their original passport, proof of flight cancellation, and an official letter from the airline confirming the disruption.

Preliminary data indicates that 40 flights from Bali to major Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled since Feb. 28. Airspace restrictions remain in effect in several areas, while flights transiting parts of the Middle East continue to face severe limitations.

Immigration authorities have instructed all technical units across Bali to remain on standby and respond promptly to developments affecting foreign travelers. Multiple complaint channels, including a call center, social media, and direct reporting services, have been opened to assist affected foreigners and guide them on their immigration status.

A one-day processing service for emergency stay permits has also been established to ensure faster assistance. Officials urged stranded visitors not to panic and to report to the nearest immigration office before their permits expire, while reminding them to remain compliant with Indonesian immigration regulations until flights resume.

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