Denpasar. A seven-year-old Ukrainian boy, affectionately nicknamed "Kocong" by locals, and his mother have been deported by the Denpasar Immigration Office after the boy was frequently seen wandering the streets. The boy identified as BS, and his mother, SB, overstayed their visa by more than 191 days.

BS and his mother entered Bali on Dec. 21, 2023, with a stay permit valid until Jan. 21, 2024. However, they failed to leave the country or extend their visa. Despite SB’s attempts to save enough money for their return, she was unable to cover the costs.

"SB made no effort to extend their stay permit, which led to their deportation," said Ridha Sah Putra, Head of Immigration Denpasar.

According to Indonesian immigration law, foreign nationals who overstay their visas by more than 60 days are subject to deportation and a re-entry ban. The Denpasar Immigration Office coordinated with the Ukrainian Honorary Consulate in Bali to facilitate their return.

Kocong and his mother were deported on Thursday via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, with a re-entry ban proposed for both.

The pair had been apprehended on Aug. 1 in Gianyar, Bali, after Kocong was found wandering a residential area in Ubud, Gianyar Regency, dressed only in shorts and without supervision. The blonde-haired boy was seen carrying a sharp weapon and climbing onto rooftops, posing a danger to himself and others. Local residents, feeling sympathetic, had temporarily sheltered them.

Bali Immigration has reported a rise in legal and immigration violations by foreign nationals, with 31 individuals deported between January and August 2, 2024.

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