Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 09, 2025
The Directorate General of Immigration has introduced a new regulation concerning the extension of visa or stay permits for foreigners residing in Indonesia. Effective from 29th May 2025, Circular Letter No. IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025 notes that foreigners are now required to appear in person at the immigration office for biometric photo capture and an interview as part of the extension process.
Prior to this in-person step, applicants must submit their visa requests and upload all necessary documents online through the official website evisa.imigrasi.go.id. This procedure also applies to holders of a Visa on Arrival (VoA).
Read also: VoA vs Tourist Visit Visa - What to Choose
Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman, stated that the new policy aims to serve as a form of "damage control"—specifically, to reduce the risk of stay permit misuse, ensure orderly immigration administration, and monitor the accountability of guarantors for foreign nationals.
"This adjustment in the stay permit extension procedure was made based on a comprehensive evaluation by the Directorate General. We found that cases of misuse and guarantors neglecting their responsibilities remain alarmingly high," he explained.
He cited findings from a joint operation on foreign direct investment (OPS PMA), conducted in collaboration with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) during the first quarter of 2025. The operation revealed 546 foreigners suspected of permit violations and uncovered 215 companies deemed fictitious or problematic, whose business licenses have since been revoked by the Investment Coordinating Board.
For vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals facing urgent situations—the application process, document submission, and payment can all be handled directly at the immigration office in a single walk-in visit, with assistance from on-site officers.
"We strongly advise that all foreigners provide accurate and honest information during interviews with officers to prevent complications in the future," added Yusman.