The Directorate General of Immigration has issued a new policy requiring foreign nationals (FNs) to visit immigration offices in person when applying for an extension of their stay permits. This measure is aimed at reducing immigration violations that remain prevalent across the country.
The regulation is outlined in Circular Letter Number IMI-417.GR.01.01 of 2025, which takes effect on May 29, 2025.
Under the new rules, all foreign nationals residing in Indonesia who wish to extend their stay are required to undergo photo capture and an in-person interview at an immigration office as part of the application process.
Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman, stated that prior to this step, applicants must first register online via the official website evisa.imigrasi.go.id and upload all required documents.
According to RRI, “This procedure also applies to foreign nationals holding a visa on arrival (VoA),” said Yuldi in a statement delivered in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 28, 2025).
For vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and nursing mothers—as well as individuals in emergency situations, the entire application process, including document submission and payment, may be completed simultaneously at the immigration office during their photo capture and interview.
Yuldi emphasized that the new policy was implemented following a comprehensive internal review, which found that misuse of stay permits and lack of responsibility by guarantors remain significantly high.
According to Antara,“We launched this adjustment in the procedure for extending stay permits based on a thorough evaluation by the Directorate General of Immigration. We found that cases of permit misuse and guarantors neglecting their responsibilities are still prevalent,” he explained.
He also highlighted that during a joint foreign investment operation conducted with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) in the first quarter of 2025, immigration authorities identified 546 foreign nationals suspected of misusing their permits, along with 215 allegedly fake or problematic companies, whose business licenses were subsequently revoked by BKPM.
Data from the Directorate General of Immigration shows that from January to April 2025, a total of 2,201 foreign nationals were subject to immigration administrative actions, up from 1,610 cases during the same period in 2024.
“Law enforcement performance in 2025, based on immigration administrative measures, has significantly improved, with a 36.71 percent increase,” Yuldi added.
As such, the updated policy aims not only to prevent the misuse of stay permits but also to enhance immigration administrative order and reinforce the role of guarantors.
According to Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, guarantors are responsible for the whereabouts and activities of the foreign nationals they support throughout their stay in Indonesia. They are also obligated to report any changes in address, marital status, or immigration status.
“We urge all foreign nationals who are extending their stay or updating their information to provide truthful and accurate statements during their interview, to avoid future complications,” Yuldi concluded.