Ukraine protests Bali’s proposal to stop granting visa on arrival

Ukraine protests Bali’s proposal to stop granting visa on arrival

Ukraine on Tuesday criticised a proposal by the governor of Indonesia’s resort island of Bali to stop granting visas on arrival to Ukrainian tourists, along with Russian visitors.

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said on Sunday that he had sent a letter to Jakarta requesting that the policy be withdrawn for visitors from the warring countries Russia and Ukraine, citing their frequent violations of the law and local norms.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Indonesia, Vasyl Hamianin, called it “illogical” to lump Ukrainians and Russians together.

“I feel this is very offensive towards myself as a citizen of Ukraine,” Hamianin told reporters.

The visa-on-arrival policy allows citizens of 86 countries to obtain a visa upon arrival in Indonesia for a fee. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days.

Koster said violations committed by tourists from Ukraine and Russia included overstaying their visas, working illegally, and causing public disturbances in Bali.

“Why these two countries? Because they are at war right now and it is not safe in their countries,” he said, adding: “Many of them come to Bali in large numbers.

“They include people who are not here for tourism but for seeking comfort and work.”

The Russian embassy in Jakarta did not respond to requests for comment.

Ukraine protests Bali’s proposal to stop granting visa on arrival