Clarification on visa
Clarification on visa
Reading your letter in The Jakarta Post of Feb. 28, 1995 issue, I would like to clarify the situation to prevent any misunderstandings and subsequent disrespect of the Immigration Rules and Regulations set forth in Immigration Act No: 9/1992.
We have several types of visas:
1. Tourist Visa -- for those in transit to their country of destination.
2. Short Visit Visa Free -- allowing nationals of 47 countries to stay for 60 days non-extendible, non-employment, only for tourism, seminars, workshops, etc.
3. Tourist Visa -- for 30 days, extendible for another 15 days, for tourism and non-employment/non-business.
4. Socio-Cultural Visit Visa -- first issue five weeks, extendible up to maximum of six months for socio-cultural purposes, non-employment/non-business.
5. Business Visit Visa -- first issue five weeks, extendible up to six months maximum according to the urgency, for the purpose of business transaction, debt, talks, after sales, etc. Non- employment.
6. Semi-Permanent Visa -- issued to expatriates, including wives and children, sponsored by a bonafide company in Indonesia for employment in Indonesia. An Immigration Document called KIM/S will be granted by the local Immigration Office for one year according to the work permit issued by the Department of Manpower. It is extendible yearly according to the urgency, work permit and the benefit to the people and country of Indonesia.
Based on your letter, I concluded that you have used the No 4 type visa which does not entitle you to work in Indonesia. You should actually get the No 6 visa.
Your children will still follow your status as a foreigner, as adopted by the principle of Ius Sanguinis, not Ius Soli. This means that the nationality of a person follows the blood and not the territory on which a person is born -- even though you married an Indonesian woman.
If you plan to stay in Indonesia, I advise you to find a bonafide company to sponsor you for the required visa and work permit.
While you reiterated one of the principle of Pancasila -- Social Justice -- it doesn't mean social justice for individuals but for mankind as an entity.
Please be assured that by following the proper Immigration Rules and Regulations, all foreigners will be treated fairly and correctly in this Pancasila country, Indonesia.
HARIO SUBAYU
Public Relations Directorate
General of Immigration
Jakarta