Foreign volunteers granted VoA

JAKARTA: Foreign volunteers entering the country to assist in humanitarian work in tsunami-hit areas will be entitled to visa- on-arrival (VoA) facilities, according to a minister.

Justice and Human Rights Minister Hamid Awaluddin told reporters on Friday that the policy was aimed at supporting the relief efforts after the calamity.

"Foreign volunteers are not required to pay the fee for the visa, whereas tourists must still pay," he said, referring to US$25 for a 30-day visa.

The free-of-charge visa facilities will be given to foreign volunteers until the end of the month and may be extended. -- JP