Recently, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued Regulation Number 11 of 2024 concerning Visas and Stay Permits. This new regulation from the Directorate General of Immigration introduces a new type of visa, Transitional Residence Permit also known as the Bridging Visa. As the name suggest, the visa is serves as a temporary solution, helping foreign nationals in Indonesia move between different visas seamlessly, from previous residence permits to obtaining new ones without having to leave Indonesian territory.
Validity and Qualifications of a Bridging Visa
As a Bridging Visa holder, foreign national residing in Indonesia can stay during the visa transition process for maximum 60 days and non-extendable. It can be obtained by applying through the official e-Visa website (evisa.imigrasi.go.id) and applicable to those who hold one of the following permits:
- Visa on Arrival
- Limited Stay Permit (ITAS)
- Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP)
Applicants must submit a Bridging Visa no later than 3 days before the permit expires. In addition, according to the regulation, foreign nationals who complete their visa payment before the expiration of their previous permit will receive an overstay penalty.
Implications to Business
With the Bridging Visa, the government expects to attract more foreign investors. The new simplified procedure enables them to change immigration permit status without the need to leave the country. This approach aims to avoid the risk of overstaying, extend stay durations, and offer a more cost-effective and time saving solution.
However, despite the advantages, both guarantors and foreign nationals should take note of the following:
Foreign Workers
Foreign workers holding an ITAS for the maximum stay period of 6 years, can now use the Bridging Visa. By this way they can remain in Indonesia while awaiting the issuance of a new work and stay permit. They are no longer not required to cancel their current permit and apply for a new one from abroad.
The procedure involves the following steps:
- Applying for a Bridging Visa through the official e-Visa website (imigrasi.go.id)
- Applying for a Work Permit through the official Ministry of Manpower website (tka-online.kemnaker.go.id)
- Applying for a New ITAS manually to the related local immigration office
During the 60-day period of transition, the foreign worker is prohibited to start employment. The employment engagement can only start after the Ministry of Manpower issues the new work permit . Foreign nationals and their guarantors must complete the application for the new work and stay permit within the 60-day period.
Tourists
Foreign nationals residing in Indonesia with a Visa on Arrival now have the opportunity to obtain a longer stay permit without leaving the country by applying for the Bridging Visa and completing the new permit application within the 60-day window.
The Bridging Visa is a relative new policy and the Directorate General of Immigration is still adjusting and updating this policy. For further guidance on the application procedure or requirements, please reach out to us through our contact form below.