Immigration Authority Introduces New In-Person Requirements for Foreign Residents' Stay Permit Extensions
JAKARTA. The Directorate General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights has established new regulations regarding stay permit processing for foreign nationals in Indonesia. The rules are set out in Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025, which came into effect on 29 May 2025.
Under the new provisions, every foreign national seeking to extend their stay permit must appear in person at an immigration office for a photograph and interview. Previously, applicants were required to submit applications and upload supporting documents online through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. The procedure also applies to holders of visa on arrival (VoA).
Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that the policy represents a damage control measure to minimise the misuse of stay permits and to improve immigration administration, including oversight of foreign nationals' sponsors.
"We have made these adjustments to stay permit extension procedures based on a comprehensive evaluation. We found that the rate of stay permit misuse remains high, and that sponsors are failing to fulfil their responsibilities," said Yuldi.
As an example, during the Foreign Investment Operations (OPS PMA) conducted jointly with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) during the first quarter of 2025, the Directorate General of Immigration identified 546 foreign nationals suspected of misusing their stay permits. Additionally, 215 companies were found to be allegedly fictitious or problematic, with their business licences having been revoked by BKPM.
Data from the Directorate General of Immigration shows that between January and April 2024, a total of 1,610 foreign nationals were subject to administrative immigration measures. This figure rose during the same period in 2025 to 2,201 foreign nationals — an increase of 36.71 per cent.
In accordance with Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration, Article 63 Paragraph (2) stipulates that sponsors are responsible for the presence and activities of the foreign nationals they sponsor during their stay in Indonesia. Sponsors are also obliged to report any changes in civil status, immigration status, and address.
For vulnerable foreign nationals — such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, or those in urgent circumstances — the application process, document submission, and payment may be conducted directly at the immigration office on a walk-in basis with assistance from officers.
Yuldi urged all foreign nationals processing stay permits or data changes to provide truthful information during interviews. "We remind foreign nationals to provide completely accurate information to officers to avoid complications in the future," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto added that the policy is expected to strengthen oversight of foreign nationals' activities in Indonesia. "With the implementation of this policy, the Directorate General of Immigration hopes that the system for monitoring the presence and activities of foreign nationals can be strengthened, and that all immigration processes comply with prevailing legal provisions," Agus concluded.
Under the new provisions, every foreign national seeking to extend their stay permit must appear in person at an immigration office for a photograph and interview. Previously, applicants were required to submit applications and upload supporting documents online through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. The procedure also applies to holders of visa on arrival (VoA).
Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that the policy represents a damage control measure to minimise the misuse of stay permits and to improve immigration administration, including oversight of foreign nationals' sponsors.
"We have made these adjustments to stay permit extension procedures based on a comprehensive evaluation. We found that the rate of stay permit misuse remains high, and that sponsors are failing to fulfil their responsibilities," said Yuldi.
As an example, during the Foreign Investment Operations (OPS PMA) conducted jointly with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) during the first quarter of 2025, the Directorate General of Immigration identified 546 foreign nationals suspected of misusing their stay permits. Additionally, 215 companies were found to be allegedly fictitious or problematic, with their business licences having been revoked by BKPM.
Data from the Directorate General of Immigration shows that between January and April 2024, a total of 1,610 foreign nationals were subject to administrative immigration measures. This figure rose during the same period in 2025 to 2,201 foreign nationals — an increase of 36.71 per cent.
In accordance with Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration, Article 63 Paragraph (2) stipulates that sponsors are responsible for the presence and activities of the foreign nationals they sponsor during their stay in Indonesia. Sponsors are also obliged to report any changes in civil status, immigration status, and address.
For vulnerable foreign nationals — such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, or those in urgent circumstances — the application process, document submission, and payment may be conducted directly at the immigration office on a walk-in basis with assistance from officers.
Yuldi urged all foreign nationals processing stay permits or data changes to provide truthful information during interviews. "We remind foreign nationals to provide completely accurate information to officers to avoid complications in the future," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto added that the policy is expected to strengthen oversight of foreign nationals' activities in Indonesia. "With the implementation of this policy, the Directorate General of Immigration hopes that the system for monitoring the presence and activities of foreign nationals can be strengthened, and that all immigration processes comply with prevailing legal provisions," Agus concluded.