Foreigners traveling to Indonesia are now able to conveniently handle the extension of their stay permits through an online platform introduced by the Directorate General of Immigration. This newly launched service is specifically designed for foreign nationals holding visit visas who are currently within the borders of Indonesia.
The Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, stated that Immigration aims to facilitate the extension of stay permits, which previously required physical presence at the office but can now be done online. The extension is processed through the website evisa.imigrasi.go.id.
“With the introduction of this online service, we aim to streamline and expedite the process of extending stay permits. Previously, applicants were required to physically visit immigration offices, but now they can conveniently handle the process online, without the need for passport stamping as the permits are directly delivered via email. This marks a significant advancement in enhancing the overall experience for foreigners visiting Indonesia,” Silmy elaborated.
Several Types of Indonesian Visas that Can Be Extended Online
There are several types of visas that can currently be extended online, including visas for tourism (index C1), medical treatment (index C3), government affairs (index C4), short courses (index C9), and business visits (index C11).
Meanwhile, visit stay permits that can be extended through evisa.imigrasi.go.id for the aforementioned types of visas are:
- Extend Tourism Stay Permit (index C1A1)
- Extend Medical Treatment Stay Permit (index C3A2)
- Extend Government Business Stay Permit (index C4A3)
- Extend Short Course Stay Permit (index C9A3)
- Extend Exhibitor Stay Permit (index C11A4)
This new feature has been tested and will be implemented starting December 31, 2023, marking the transition of the year. With this website, foreigners can have a more comfortable stay in Indonesia through a seamless experience in visa and stay permit arrangements.
“The continuous development of online immigration service systems by Immigration is our commitment to digitalization. Our team continues to study, observe, and evaluate the development of community needs in order to deliver the best service,” said Silmy.
The implementation of this online extension service reflects Immigration’s dedication to embracing digitalization as a means of enhancing service delivery. By harnessing the power of technology, Immigration aims to better address the needs of foreign nationals and provide them with efficient and convenient solutions.
Indonesian Visas for Diaspora
In addition to facilitating the extension of stay permits, Immigration has introduced the Diaspora Visa service for members of the Indonesian diaspora residing abroad. This initiative seeks to address the challenges faced by Indonesian diaspora members in maintaining ties with their homeland and contributing to its development.
“Diaspora members play a crucial role in Indonesia’s progress, and it’s essential to facilitate their engagement with the country. The Diaspora Visa allows them to extend their stays in Indonesia and actively participate in its growth,” Silmy emphasized.
The Diaspora Visas not only grants extended stays but also includes stay permits for applicants, eliminating the need for guarantors typically required for foreign nationals seeking to settle in Indonesia. This streamlined process enhances accessibility for Indonesian diaspora members seeking to reconnect with their roots and contribute to their homeland’s advancement.
Furthermore, this facility is currently also implemented by India, Ireland, and Portugal. India, for example, implements the ‘Overseas Citizen of India’ (OCI) program, which grants longer residency in India for its diaspora abroad. Not only that, India also allows its diaspora to own property in India.
“The good and beneficial policies in other countries need to be emulated. Let’s not waste the potential of the Indonesian diaspora so that they can contribute to this country,” said the Director General of Immigration of Indonesia.
Overall, these initiatives underscore Indonesia’s commitment to providing inclusive and efficient visa services for both foreign visitors and diaspora members. By leveraging digital platforms and embracing innovative solutions, Indonesia aims to enhance its global appeal and foster stronger connections with its international community. Through continuous advancements in immigration services, Indonesia seeks to promote seamless travel experiences and foster greater collaboration with the global community.