Immigration Authority Tightens Residence Permit Rules for Foreign Nationals in Indonesia
JAKARTA - The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has established new regulations for managing residence permits for foreign nationals in Indonesia.
Referring to Circular Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025, effective from 29 May 2025, foreigners in Indonesia will be required to attend in-person photo sessions and interviews at immigration offices when applying for residence permit extensions. Previously, foreigners could register for residence permit applications and upload required documents online through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. The new procedure also applies to foreigners holding visas on arrival (VoA).
Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that the policy was designed as a damage control measure to minimise the potential misuse of residence permits, maintain immigration administrative order, and strengthen supervision of guarantors for foreign nationals.
"We announced this procedural adjustment after observing the results of a thorough evaluation by the Directorate General of Immigration. We found that the number of residence permit misuse cases and guarantors failing to fulfil their responsibilities remains high," said Yuldi.
He cited the foreign investment operation (OPS PMA) conducted jointly with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) during the first quarter of 2025, in which the Directorate General of Immigration apprehended 546 foreigners for alleged misuse of residence permits and identified 215 companies suspected of being fictitious or problematic, whose business licences were subsequently revoked by BKPM.
Statistical data showed that immigration administrative actions during January to April 2024 involved 1,610 foreigners, whilst the same period in 2025 saw 2,201 cases — a significant increase of 36.71 per cent.
Under Article 63 Paragraph (2) of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration, guarantors are responsible for the presence and activities of the foreigners they sponsor within Indonesian territory and are obliged to report any changes in civil status, immigration status, or address.
For vulnerable groups — including the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those in urgent circumstances — the entire process from registration and document submission to payment may be completed directly at the immigration office on a walk-in basis, with officer assistance.
Yuldi also urged all foreign nationals processing residence permit extensions or data changes to provide accurate information during interviews. "We remind foreigners to give actual information to officers to avoid obstacles in the future," he said.
Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto added: "With the implementation of this policy, the Directorate General of Immigration hopes to strengthen the supervisory system over the presence and activities of foreigners in Indonesia, and ensure that all immigration processes are conducted in accordance with applicable legal provisions."
Referring to Circular Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025, effective from 29 May 2025, foreigners in Indonesia will be required to attend in-person photo sessions and interviews at immigration offices when applying for residence permit extensions. Previously, foreigners could register for residence permit applications and upload required documents online through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id website. The new procedure also applies to foreigners holding visas on arrival (VoA).
Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that the policy was designed as a damage control measure to minimise the potential misuse of residence permits, maintain immigration administrative order, and strengthen supervision of guarantors for foreign nationals.
"We announced this procedural adjustment after observing the results of a thorough evaluation by the Directorate General of Immigration. We found that the number of residence permit misuse cases and guarantors failing to fulfil their responsibilities remains high," said Yuldi.
He cited the foreign investment operation (OPS PMA) conducted jointly with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) during the first quarter of 2025, in which the Directorate General of Immigration apprehended 546 foreigners for alleged misuse of residence permits and identified 215 companies suspected of being fictitious or problematic, whose business licences were subsequently revoked by BKPM.
Statistical data showed that immigration administrative actions during January to April 2024 involved 1,610 foreigners, whilst the same period in 2025 saw 2,201 cases — a significant increase of 36.71 per cent.
Under Article 63 Paragraph (2) of Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration, guarantors are responsible for the presence and activities of the foreigners they sponsor within Indonesian territory and are obliged to report any changes in civil status, immigration status, or address.
For vulnerable groups — including the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those in urgent circumstances — the entire process from registration and document submission to payment may be completed directly at the immigration office on a walk-in basis, with officer assistance.
Yuldi also urged all foreign nationals processing residence permit extensions or data changes to provide accurate information during interviews. "We remind foreigners to give actual information to officers to avoid obstacles in the future," he said.
Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto added: "With the implementation of this policy, the Directorate General of Immigration hopes to strengthen the supervisory system over the presence and activities of foreigners in Indonesia, and ensure that all immigration processes are conducted in accordance with applicable legal provisions."