Nur Yasmin, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has promised to make it quicker and easier for overseas investors and foreign workers to obtain visas and residence permits.
The Directorate General of Immigration informed foreign representatives in Jakarta on Tuesday of regulatory changes, including the availability of online applications and a simplified bureaucratic process to obtain visas and residence permits.
"We have simplified the legitimization process, which was a bit complicated before; now it is faster. For example, sponsorships can be handled after they arrive in Indonesia. They can go to the embassy to get their visas without any more payment. This is because they can request the legitimization online," said Yudanus Dekiwanto, director of residence permits.
He said the changes were aimed at attracting more investors and making it easier for international companies to transfer foreign workers to the country.
"All processes can be completed online," Yudanus said, adding that there would be special fast-track booths at airports where foreign investors can finalize their applications.
The updated regulations introduced to foreign representatives on Tuesday include immigration service tariffs, employment of foreign workers and visa and residence permit application procedures, among others.
Winanto Adi, acting director general for protocol and consular affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said this was done to anticipate an increase in the number foreign citizens arriving in Indonesia for career or diplomatic purposes after the establishment of the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta.
"This will increase the number of ambassadors and foreign representatives accredited with Asean [visiting Indonesia]. It could lead to new issues, so we are cooperating with the immigration office," Winanto said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The foreign representatives were also informed of technological innovations, such as the implementation of the Immigration Management Information System, under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's Industry 4.0 program.
Ronny F. Sompie, director general of immigration, said the new system helps to filter out foreign visitors involved in suspicious activities.
"Foreigners entering Indonesia must be useful to the country and not pose any dangers. But we must prevent international syndicates, such as those involved in transnational crimes, drug smuggling and human trafficking, from operating in the country. All data would be in the Immigration Management Information System," Ronny said.
He said the system would record foreigner visitors' data when they apply for visas and they will be checked at immigration checkpoints in airports.