Citizenship and visas for expats

I am an Australian male married to an Indonesian woman. This year I was out of work for six months while my company was negotiating contracts in Indonesia. I stayed in Indonesia with my wife under a social visa.

I had to report to immigration every month, which was a stressful experience, as every time I reported to them they changed rules and made extra demands of me. As an expatriate, I bring money to the country and experience from my employment that can benefit Indonesia.

I turn 55 on my next birthday and when I retire we wish to live in Indonesia. However, neither my wife or me are looking forward to the hassles we will face dealing with visas for myself and our children.

We hope the new President is sincere about changing the policies for people who wish to live in Indonesia. The cost of the visa is not the issue, but the red tape.

BARRY LYON Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara