Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Or refine your search by selecting a city:
Indonesia does not have a domestic office that decides individual refugee claims. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) handles registration and refugee status determination, while Indonesian authorities manage immigration and local arrangements.
In Bali, a claim may come to immigration officials’ attention at Ngurah Rai International Airport, during an immigration check, or in a detention case. A lawyer can help communicate a request for protection, organize evidence, and address immigration issues, but cannot decide the claim or guarantee an outcome.
People seeking protection should contact UNHCR through its current official channels. Registration does not automatically grant a visa, work permission, or the right to remain in a particular place.
You fear being returned to your country after arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport or being questioned by immigration officials. A lawyer can help you explain your protection request and understand the immediate process.
You are held at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center or face a transfer. Counsel can review the circumstances, help communicate with authorities, and seek appropriate legal steps.
You have received a UNHCR interview appointment, request for documents, or negative decision. A lawyer can help organize evidence and identify any review deadline stated in the notice.
Your passport, visa, or permitted stay has expired while you are seeking protection. Refugee registration does not automatically resolve immigration issues, so advice on both matters may be important.
You need to explain threats, past harm, or a risk affecting a family member. A lawyer can help prepare a consistent account and arrange interpretation where available.
You have children, medical needs, or family members in different locations. Counsel can help raise urgent protection concerns and clarify which authorities or organizations to contact.
Law No. 37 of 1999 on Foreign Relations addresses asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia. It provides a legal basis for government handling of people seeking asylum and coordination with relevant international bodies.
Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 on the Handling of Refugees from Abroad sets out procedures for government agencies, including coordination, discovery, shelter, security, and supervision. It does not create a separate Indonesian refugee-status determination system.
Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, as amended by Law No. 6 of 2023, governs immigration matters such as entry, stay, supervision, and detention. A refugee claim does not by itself settle a person’s immigration status.
Indonesia does not operate a domestic process for deciding individual refugee claims. UNHCR carries out refugee status determination, while Indonesian authorities handle immigration matters and coordinate refugee arrangements.
Use UNHCR Indonesia’s current official contact and registration channels, as procedures can change. If you are stopped or detained, clearly tell the relevant immigration or police officer that you fear return and ask how to contact UNHCR.
UNHCR generally assesses whether a person meets the refugee definition, including whether they face a well-founded fear of persecution for a Convention-related reason. Each claim depends on the person’s circumstances and evidence; hardship or danger alone does not guarantee refugee status.
An expired visa does not by itself answer whether someone qualifies for refugee status. It may create separate immigration problems, so explain your protection concerns promptly and get advice about both issues.
Registration does not guarantee the right to stay in Bali or choose a particular accommodation. Follow any instructions from the authorities and UNHCR, and seek advice before changing location or missing a reporting appointment.
Do not assume that a UNHCR document gives permission to work in Indonesia. Ask a qualified lawyer about your specific immigration position before accepting paid work.
There is no fixed timeline that applies to every case. Waiting periods and case steps can vary, so keep contact details current and respond promptly to interview or document requests.
UNHCR services, including registration and refugee status determination, are free. A private lawyer may charge fees, so request a written explanation of the work and expected costs before hiring anyone.
You can contact UNHCR without a lawyer. Legal advice may be useful for detention, immigration complications, difficult evidence, family concerns, or a decision you want reviewed.
Read the decision letter carefully because it should explain any review or appeal process and applicable deadline. Seek advice promptly, as missing a deadline may affect the options available.
No lawyer can guarantee that removal will be stopped. If return would place you at risk, state that clearly to the authorities and seek urgent legal advice about the steps available in your circumstances.
UNHCR Indonesia: Provides information about registration, refugee status determination, and protection procedures. Use its official channels to check current requirements and contact methods.
Directorate General of Immigration: Oversees Indonesian immigration matters, including entry, stay, and immigration supervision. Its Bali immigration offices handle local immigration matters.
Denpasar Immigration Detention Center (Rumah Detensi Imigrasi Denpasar): Handles immigration detention functions in the region. It is a relevant authority for people held in immigration detention in Bali.
Address immediate risk first. If detained or facing imminent return, state your fear of return to the relevant authority and contact UNHCR and a lawyer as soon as possible, ideally the same day.
Gather key records. Collect identity documents, visa records, UNHCR messages, interview notices, and evidence of threats or past harm. Keep copies and note any response deadline.
Identify suitable counsel. Look for an Indonesian advocate with experience in refugee protection, immigration, or detention matters in Bali. Ask who will handle the case and whether interpretation is available.
Check credentials and relevant experience. Ask for the lawyer’s advocate credentials and verify them with the relevant professional body. Ask about experience with UNHCR procedures and Bali immigration authorities.
Discuss the case and urgent steps. At an initial consultation, explain your travel and immigration history, protection concerns, and any contact with authorities. Ask what should be done next and what risks remain.
Agree on fees in writing. Request a written scope of work, fee estimate, payment schedule, and explanation of any additional costs before representation begins.
Keep a written record. Save copies of applications, messages, decisions, and lawyer correspondence. Confirm upcoming appointments and deadlines promptly, since case timelines vary.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Bali through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Asylum, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Bali, Indonesia — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
Refine your search by selecting a city.
