Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival (“VOA”) is designed to provide ease for travelers (from certain countries) to enter Indonesia for non-official/non-commercial purposes, such as tourism.

Indonesia VOA allows 30 days of stay, which is extendable for another 30 days as long as it is permitted by the relevant immigration officers.

Visa Abuse

It is uncommon to encounter that the ease to enter is being abused by some travelers. “Abuse” refers to the utilization of the VOA not in accordance with its permitted purpose.

In the past three years, with Indonesia tourism spot such as Bali being re-opened post COVID closure, we have seen not only the growth in the number of the visitors but also the number of the VOA abuse.

From January 2023 – March 2023, the Indonesia Directorate General of Immigration (“DGI”) has deported more than 50 travelers from Bali alone.

Common cases of VOA abuse:

1. Working full time/part time;
2. Establishing business;
3. Attending business meeting or commercial discussion;
4. Holding a seminar; or
5. Attending negotiation meeting.

Enforcement

Compared to a decade ago where abuse of VOA was mostly overlooked due to lack of resources within DGI, the past two years has shown DGI’s eagerness to discipline VOA abuse without “scaring away” other travelers.

Recently, DGI has been actively following up reports from public, pro-actively perform market audit, and engaging travelers to ensure awareness of the permitted purpose of VOA. We proudly share that, after being involved in providing opinion on VOA abuse, DGI has successfully avoided the pro-active approach to lead to a “witch-hunting exercise”.

To date, we have seen that DGI’s approach remains analytical, systematic, and in accordance with the prescribed steps under the relevant regulations.

In addition to these pro-active steps, the regulatory landscape has also been refreshed with clearer guidance for pre-investment visa, retirement visa, and multiple entry visa.

————-III————-

MURZAL & PARTNERS

For more information, please reach us at Murzal & Partners Law Firm via:

e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +62 21 29930869
WhatsApp: +62 81211122884

LinkedIn: Murzal & Partners Law Firm

www.murzallawfirm.com

A member of World Law Alliance

Disclaimer:
The foregoing material is the property of MNP and may not be used by any other party without prior written consent. The information herein is of general nature and should not be treated as legal advice, nor shall it be relied upon by any party for any circumstance. Specific legal advice should be sought by interested parties to address their particular circumstances.

Any links contained in this document are for informational purposes and are available and relevant at time this publication is made. We provide no liability whatsoever in respect of any information or content in such links.