Extend your stay in Indonesia by appointment only

THE Directorate General of Immigration (Directorate General of Immigration) has announced an adjustment to its procedure for extending residence permits for foreign nationals. As of yesterday, May 29, 2025, all visa extension applicants will have to physically present themselves at an Indonesian immigration office. to finalize their approach.

This puts an end to the possibility of completing the entire extension process entirely online, which was previously available. The new regulations are formalized in the Circular number IMI-417.GR.01.01.

Who is affected by the New Rule?

This physical presence requirement applies to all foreigners residing or staying in Indonesia, whatever their visa category. Specifically mentioned:

• Visa on Arrival (VoA) and e-VoA holders.
• People with a Temporary Residence Permit (KITAS) obtained for various reasons such as work, family, retirement, investment or study.

This model now hybridCombining an online and in-person component, it applies equally to short-term tourists using a Visa on Arrival and to long-term residents.

Revised extension procedure

The new visa extension procedure now involves several distinct stages:

1. Online application via the evisa.imigrasi.go.id or a regular agency
2. Download required documents online.
3. Mandatory attendance immigration office for a photo shoot and in-person interview. The authorities specify that photo-taking and maintenance are compulsory.

Why the change?

According to Yuldi Yusman, Acting Director General of Immigration, this update of the procedure is the result of a in-depth assessment and is motivated by a increase in immigration offences. The policy aims to strengthen damage control, à minimize the risk of misuse of residence permitsto maintain a orderly immigration administrationand supervise the role of guarantors of foreigners. Yuldi Yusman found that the number of residence permit abuses and guarantors not fulfilling their responsibilities remained high. Changes are needed to curbing abuseto ensure greater responsibility for guarantors and improve immigration tracking system.

The figures put forward by the Indonesian authorities justify this decision:

• Enter January and April 2025, 2,201 foreigners committed administrative offences related to immigration.
• This figure represents a increase of 36.7% Or 36,71 % compared with 1,610 foreigners over the same period in 2024.

Joint investigations with the Board for the Coordination of Investments (BKPM) in the first quarter of 2025 have also highlighted :

• 546 cases of foreigners misusing their permits stay.
• 215 companies whose licenses have been revoked, some on suspicion of being fictitious or problematic.

In other words, it is possible that this measure will be abolished if the figures return to "normal".

Support for vulnerable applicants

Aware that this new requirement could present difficulties for some people, the Direction générale de l'Immigration has provided assistance for vulnerable groups. These people will be able to complete the entire process (application registration, submission of documents, payment) directly at the immigration office, without an appointment and with the help of staff. This category includes :

• The elderly (lanjut usia).
• Disabled people (penyandang disabilitas).
• Pregnant women (ibu hamil).
• Nursing mothers (ibu menyusui).
• Foreigners in emergency situations (sedang dalam kondisi mendesak).

Important reminders about guarantors The authorities are reminding applicants of the importance of provide accurate and honest information during interviews with immigration officers to avoid possible complications later on. Yuldi Yusman insisted: "We remind foreign nationals to provide accurate information to agents to avoid any future problems.". THE guarantors have a increased legal liability under the Immigration Act 6 of 2011 (Article 63, Paragraph 2). They are responsible for the presence and activities of the foreigners they sponsor during their stay in Indonesia. They are obliged to report any changes in the civil status, immigration status or address of the foreign national they are sponsoring. Failure to comply with these obligations may result in legal consequences for both parties, the guarantor and the visa holder.

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