Immigration Boosts Staff to Manage Emergency Visas Amid Middle East Conflict

RRI.CO.ID, Badung - As the closure of major international transit hubs in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi leaves thousands of travelers stranded, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has mobilized additional resources to assist foreign nationals (WNA) trapped on the island. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, authorities announced a staff increase and a proactive "door-to-door" service to manage Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT).

The initiative aims to provide legal certainty and financial relief for tourists who cannot return home due to the sudden suspension of flight corridors over the Middle East.

To handle the surge in applicants, the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office has increased its dedicated ITKT personnel from six to nine officers. These specialists are tasked with processing emergency extensions for travelers whose transit flights were canceled.

“In addition to increasing the capacity of the service waiting room, we have also added personnel from other departments specifically for ITKT handling,” said Head of Ngurah Rai Immigration, Bugie Kurniawan in Jimbaran on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The office is operating on an extended schedule from Monday to Friday, 08.00 to 17.30 local time, to accommodate the influx of concerned visitors.

Recognizing that many stranded tourists are being housed in hotels by their respective airlines, immigration teams are now "picking up the ball" by visiting hotels directly. Officers are identifying affected foreigners to grant overstay fine waivers, ensuring that travelers are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.

As of Tuesday, March 3, a total of 79 foreign nationals have already been granted the ITKT. This permit allows for an initial 30-day stay, which can be extended for an additional 30 days depending on the evolution of the conflict in the Middle East.

The emergency permit is strictly reserved for those who can provide documented proof of their flight cancellations. To qualify, applicants must present a formal statement of cancellation from their airline. Additionally, they are required to submit their original flight ticket along with a valid passport to the immigration authorities.

For travelers like Arment, a German citizen of Albanian descent, the measure has provided much-needed peace of mind. Arment, who was scheduled to fly to Berlin via Dubai on March 8, visited the office to clarify his status.

“I have to wait for confirmation. If my ticket is canceled, I will come back here to apply for an emergency permit. I would rather stay in Bali for now while waiting for the situation to improve,” Arment said, expressing relief at the government's initiative.

While Bali is served by three immigration offices (Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, and Singaraja), the Ngurah Rai office in Badung is experiencing the highest demand. Its jurisdiction covers the island's most densely populated tourist districts: North Kuta, Kuta, and South Kuta. As these areas host the majority of Bali's international visitors, the office remains the frontline for managing the island's migrant and tourist population during this global crisis. ***