Government considering shortening tourist visa

Government considering shortening tourist visa

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The government is currently studying the possibility of
shortening tourist visas from 60 days to 30 days.

"Yes, we are studying the possibility as part of our efforts
to minimize visa abuses," Antara quoted the director general of
immigration at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Iman
Santoso, as saying in Sanur, Bali, on Monday.

The tourist visa is issued to foreigners on arrival in
Indonesia. The visa is valid only for 60 days, but many
foreigners misuse it, Iman said.

"Just like social and cultural visas, many foreigners misuse
tourist visas for business," he said.

In other matters, Iman said his office, in issuing passports
to Indonesian migrant workers (TKIs), could not possibly
determine who would work illegally and who would work legally.

"As long as they meet the administrative requirements (they
will be given a visa)," he said.

"But we cannot prevent or deal with passport holders who
create trouble at their places of work," Iman said.

He was also asked to comment on the increasing number of TKIs
using fake passports to work overseas. These migrant workers use
passports belonging to other people and simply change the
photograph.

Most of the migrant workers found to be using fake passports
are skilled laborers working in Japan and South Korea.

The Immigration Office in Bali has received at least 20
Indonesian workers deported from Japan and South Korea this year.
Most of the deported workers, however, returned overseas using
passports belonging to other people.

"It all goes back to the intentions and honesty of passport
applicants, because the immigration office cannot prevent
Indonesian citizens from owning a passport.

"And the immigration office cannot be blamed if they cause
troubles where they work," Iman said.