Behind the Glamour of Jade Club, Allegations of Foreigners Working Without Proper Permits

Photo of Foreign Workers

Foreign Bottle Girls in Action: Several foreign nationals are allegedly working as bottle girls at Jade by Todd English, also known as Jade Club, serving VIP guests through bottle service in the North Kuta area.

BADUNG , Bali NETTI npo.Com

Allegations of misuse of residence permits by foreign nationals have resurfaced in Bali. This time, the spotlight falls on the nightlife sector at Jade by Todd English, also known as Jade Club, located on Jalan Pemelisan Agung, Tibubeneng, North Kuta, Badung Regency. Several foreigners are suspected of actively working as bottle girls and DJs at the exclusive nightclub.

Observations at the venue reveal noticeable activity. Several foreign women were seen serving VIP guests through bottle service—offering and presenting alcoholic beverages in bottled form to high-end customers.

Their role goes beyond that of ordinary waitstaff. These bottle girls are part of the club’s main attraction, performing under bright lights accompanied by high-energy electronic music. Their presence helps maintain a lively, glamorous, and exclusive party atmosphere.

However, behind the glitz and glamour, there are strong suspicions that some of them may be working without proper permits.

A former employee of Jade Club, identified by the initials IBG, confirmed the involvement of foreign workers in the club’s daily operations.

He admitted witnessing firsthand how foreign nationals were placed in strategic, guest-facing roles.

“There are indeed many foreigners directly involved, especially in frontline roles like bottle service. They’re not just guests or event talent—they actually work and serve customers. That’s what I saw while working there,” IBG stated.

IBG also noted that foreign workers are perceived as more “marketable” for certain segments, particularly international VIP guests.

“Management seems to be aiming to boost an international image. But the impact is that local workers are losing out on frontline positions,” he added.

In addition, the club is known to regularly feature foreign DJs. This activity is also suspected of violating regulations if carried out under non-working residence permits.

Commercial DJing clearly falls under employment categories that require proper authorization in accordance with immigration and labor regulations.

Further information indicates the involvement of a French event manager named Lamine, who is reportedly organizing party events at the venue.

These activities are suspected of operating without legal status as an official Event Organizer (EO) in Indonesia. For context, unauthorized foreign EOs refer to individuals or groups conducting events without valid work documents, including work visas and foreign labor permits.

Such practices potentially violate multiple regulations, ranging from immigration status to business licensing.

This situation raises serious concerns regarding oversight. Visit visas explicitly prohibit any form of employment. If these allegations are proven, those involved could face administrative sanctions, including deportation.

Beyond legal implications, the presence of illegal foreign workers is also seen as detrimental to local employment. Local workers are forced to compete in an industry that should prioritize domestic labor, particularly in the hospitality and entertainment sector.

Authorities and relevant agencies are therefore urged to remain vigilant. Integrated supervision—from immigration to labor offices—must be strengthened. Routine inspections at nightlife venues are considered an urgent step to close loopholes in residence permit misuse.

If left unchecked, such practices will not only undermine regulations but also risk damaging Bali’s reputation as a well-regulated, professional, and world-class tourism destination.