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"), as further supplemented by Circular Letter No. IMI-GR.01.01-3558 dated July 22, 2020 ("CL 3558"). 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. CL 3558 is effective from the date of its issuance.

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 13, 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 will be granted for a maximum period of 30 days for each extension and must be done no later than 30 days as of July 13, 2020. ITK in this context includes ITK originating from Multiple-Entry Visa and APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

Holders of an extended ITK may apply to convert their status to holders of ITAS after fulfilling the requirements in the applicable laws and regulations.

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 may apply for a Visit Visa telex or Limited Stay Visa ("VITAS") telex without having to leave Indonesia. The Visit Visa telex and VITAS telex will serve as the basis to apply for an ITK or ITAS. Foreigners who prefer to leave the country must do so no later than 30 days as of July 22, 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 13, 2020, and each extension will be valid for no more than 30 days as of the date of extension.

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

BVK and Crew Visit holders who have been granted an ITKT may apply for a Visit Visa telex and VITAS telex without having to leave Indonesia. The Visit Visa telex and the VITAS telex will serve as the basis to apply for an ITK or ITAS. Otherwise, such holders must leave Indonesia no later than 30 days as of July 13, 2020.

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

ITK or ITAS holders who already have a telex visa as of December 1, 2019, 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 24, 2020)

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.