The Affirmation on Immigration Services for Foreign Nationals

Indonesia’s affirmation on immigration services for foreign nationals was introduced during the COVID-19 period to clarify how existing stay permits, visa approvals, and emergency permissions would be handled. It was connected to Directorate General of Immigration circulars issued in 2020, when travel restrictions and limited transportation prevented many foreigners from leaving Indonesia. The policy provided temporary procedures rather than creating a permanent immigration category.

Purpose of the Immigration Affirmation

The affirmation was intended to remove uncertainty for foreign nationals whose permits were expiring during an exceptional period. It explained which permit holders could request extensions, change their immigration status, obtain new visa approval, or leave the country within a specified period.

The guidance also helped immigration offices apply similar procedures across Indonesia. Foreign nationals, sponsors, and employers could use the clarification to understand their responsibilities and avoid accidental overstays.

Rules for Visit Stay Permit Holders

Foreign nationals holding a Visit Stay Permit who had received an Emergency Stay Permit could, under the stated conditions, extend their stay based on their previous permit. The arrangement also covered certain multiple-entry visit visa holders and APEC Business Travel Card holders.

Some eligible foreigners were permitted to apply for a change from a Visit Stay Permit to a Limited Stay Permit after satisfying immigration requirements. This offered an administrative solution for people who could not travel abroad to complete the usual visa process.

Visa-Free and Crew Visit Holders

The rules were different for holders of visa-free visits and crew visit permissions. Some were required to leave Indonesia within the announced period. However, eligible applicants could request approval for a Visit Visa or Limited Stay Visa through the online system.

After receiving the required approval and paying applicable government fees, qualifying foreigners could complete certain stay permit procedures through a local immigration office without first visiting an Indonesian representative overseas.

Services Available During the Transition

The clarification confirmed that several immigration services had resumed or remained available. These included extensions for eligible visit and limited stay permits, address and passport changes, sponsor transfers, exit permits, immigration certificates, and status conversions.

Availability did not guarantee approval. Every application still depended on supporting documents, sponsorship, payment, permit validity, and compliance with the rules in force at the time.

Responsibilities of Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals were expected to check their passport and stay permit validity, submit applications before applicable deadlines, and maintain accurate personal and sponsor information. Keeping payment receipts, approval letters, and immigration records was also important. Sponsors and employers also needed to cooperate when applications required guarantees, letters, or updated company documents.

Because the affirmation responded to conditions in 2020, it should not be treated as current immigration advice. Visa classifications, online systems, entry requirements, and procedures may have changed. Applicants should confirm today’s rules directly with Indonesian Immigration or obtain guidance from a qualified immigration professional.

Conclusion

The affirmation provided practical relief and clearer procedures for foreign nationals affected by pandemic-era travel disruption. It allowed eligible individuals to extend permits, request status changes, or complete selected processes from within Indonesia. Its broader lesson remains relevant: foreigners should monitor permit deadlines, keep documents updated, and verify current requirements before making immigration decisions.