New Immigration Policy Reopens Offshore Visa Service

JAKARTA, NusaBali.com  - The Directorate General of Immigration has reopened the offshore visa service under the new normal, as stipulated in the latest immigration policy issued by Law and Human Rights Minister Yosanna H. Laoly.

Under the Law and Human Rights Minister's Regulation (Permenkumham) No. 34 of 2021 regarding Visa and Residence Permit Provision during the Handling of COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (PEN), the offshore visa service that had been suspended earlier has been opened once more, according to a press statement released by the Directorate General of Immigration.

In the press statement, head of public relations and general affairs at the directorate general, Arya Pradhana Anggakara, informed that offshore visa approval requests can now be made based on the type of activities that the foreigners will perform, in accordance with the law.

 

Visa approval applications can be submitted online on the website online.imigrasi.go.id, while work visa applications can be uploaded on tka-online.kemnaker.go.id, Anggakara said.

"It has to be taken into account that there are several additional requirements that have to meet in order for the visa application to be approved," the official added.

The additional requirements are a complete COVID-19 vaccination dose card or certification, a letter declaring the willingness to comply with the health protocols in Indonesia, and proof of ownership of health or travel insurance, he said.

"If there are foreigners who do not possess health insurance, then they should create a letter that declares their willingness to independently pay for the medical costs if they are exposed to COVID-19 while in Indonesia," Anggakara elaborated.

In addition to opening visa services, Permenkumham No. 34 of 2021 also states that the government can deny entry to citizens of some countries with a high level of COVID-19 spread, he said.

With the publication of the new immigration policy on Wednesday, entry restrictions on foreigners based on Permenkumham No. 27 of 2021 no longer apply, he informed.

Permenkumham No. 34 of 2021 allows the entry of foreigners who own valid and applicable visas or residence permits, he added.

Foreigners who have service residence, diplomatic residence, limited residence, and permanent residence permits can also now enter Indonesia, the official said.

Those holding the APEC Business Travel Card, transporting equipment crew who come with their transporting equipment, and traditional border crossers will also be allowed to enter Indonesia, Anggakara said.

"These subjects can enter Indonesia's territory through the Immigration Examination Place (TPI), after complying with the COVID-19 health protocol in accordance with the law," he explained. *ant