As Indonesia moves into the so-called new normal phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directorate General of Immigration has introduced new procedures for the extension of immigration permits.

In the earlier phases of the pandemic and the country's response to COVID-19, Indonesia introduced Emergency Stay Permits (Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa or "ITKT") for foreign nationals with expired immigration permits, whether they were currently in Indonesia or outside the country. It also suspended stay permit extension services at Indonesian immigration offices.

New procedures for immigration permit extension are now contained in Director General of Immigration Circular Letter No. IMI-GR.01.01-1102 Year 2020 regarding Immigration Stay Permit Services in the New Normal Order dated July 10, 2020 ("CL 1102"). CL 1102 is effective from July 13, 2020, and supplements Circular Letter No. IMI-GR.01.01-2325 Year 2020 and Circular Letter No. IMI-GR.01.01-2493 Year 2020.

Foreigners Must Extend Expired Stay Permits

CL 1102 provides that foreigners who hold an expired Limited Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Terbatas or "ITAS") or Permanent Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Tetap or "ITAP") and/or Re-entry Permit (Izin Masuk Kembali or "IMK") and are overseas should return to Indonesia to extend their stay permits at the local Immigration Office no later than 60 days as of July 10, 2020. Failure to fulfil this requirement will result in having to apply for a new visa before entering Indonesia.

The above also applies to foreigners who have obtained an "approval letter" from the relevant ministry/institution, and in the context of family reunification. In practice, in relation to expatriate employees, a valid work permit may serve as an approval letter.

Extension of Valid Immigration Permits

Holders of a Visit Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Kunjungan or "ITK"), ITAS or ITAP that is still valid and who are in Indonesia may apply to extend their stay permits at the local Immigration Office using the normal procedure under the applicable laws and regulations.

Status of Emergency Stay Permit Holders

ITK Holders

Holders of an expired ITK who have been granted an ITKT can apply to extend their stay permit as long as the pandemic has not been officially declared ended by a valid authority and there are no means of transportation to leave Indonesia. Such extension must be done no later than 30 days as of July 10, 2020.

ITAS and ITAP Holders

Holders of an expired ITAS or ITAP who have been granted an ITKT may apply to extend their stay permit at the local Immigration Office. Holders of an ITAS or ITAP that can no longer be extended or has reached its maximum period in accordance with applicable laws and regulations must leave Indonesia no later than 30 days as of July 10, 2020.

Visit Visa on Arrival (Visa Kunjungan Saat Kedatangan or "VKSK") Holders

Holders of VKSK who have been granted an ITKT can extend their stay permit as long as the pandemic has not been declared ended by the relevant authority and there are no means of transportation to leave Indonesia. Such extension must be done no later than 30 days as of July 10, 2020.

Visit Visa Free Facility (Bebas Visa Kunjungan or "BVK") Holders

BVK holders who have been granted an ITKT must leave Indonesia no later than 30 days as of July 10, 2020.

ITK and ITAS Holders Who Have a Telex Visa and Work Permit

Holders of ITK and ITAS who already have a telex visa and are currently in Indonesia may apply for the issuance of their ITK and ITAS at the local Immigration Office without leaving Indonesia and without applying to an Indonesian Embassy overseas.

The above information is subject to clarification from the relevant institutions and to future changes based on the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. (July 16, 2020)

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Originally published by SSEK, July 2020

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