Batam has emerged as a hotspot for foreign workers thanks to its booming industries and strategic location. For foreigners planning to work, a Batam work permit and stay permit, or ITAS, is essential. This permit lets foreigners stay and work in Indonesia for periods ranging from 1 to 12 months. Long term work and stay permits (7 to 12 months) have the option to extend for up to five times. Work and stay permits must be sponsored by a local Indonesian entity. If companies have no presence in Indonesia, they may engage with an Employer of Record provider for corporate sponsorship.
Who Needs a work permit and stay permit?
Foreigners traveling to Batam require a work permit in the following scenarios:
- Permanent Assignments: If you’re moving to Batam to work permanently for your company, the work permit covers you for up to six year.
- Long-Term Projects: If your work involves projects lasting more than six months, the ITAS is a cost-effective and convenient option.
- Frequent Short Assignments: Even if your assignments are short but frequent (for example regular machine repair and maintenance jobs) , a work permit can save you from repetitive paperwork, depending on your job type.
The Main Advantages of a Work and Stay Permit (ITAS)?
Here are the main perks of the work and stay permit (ITAS):
- Extended Stay: You can work in Batam for up to a year with the initial work permit and stay permit.
- Easy Extensions: You can extend your permit up to four times without leaving Indonesia, ensuring your work isn’t disrupted.
- Multiple entry and exit permit: The stay permit (ITAS) comes with a multiple re-entry permit (MERP). The MERP allows foreigners to enter and exit Indonesia without impacting the validity of the work permit or stay permit in Batam.
What is the application procedure?
Applying for Batam work and stay permit involves a few steps and requires cooperation between the foreign worker, the Indonesian employer, and various Indonesian government offices. Below is a simplified overview of the work permit and stay permit application procedure:
Step 1: Obtain a Work Permit from the Ministry of Manpower
- RPTKA (Foreign Worker Placement Plan): Valid for up to 12 months, this plan involves strict criteria like high-level job titles, work experience, educational qualifications, and a balanced ratio of foreign to local workers.
- Notification (Work Permit): Once the RPTKA is approved, the Indonesian company sponsoring the foreign worker can apply for the work permit.
Step 2: Apply for a Stay Permit (ITAS) and Re-entry Permit (MERP) from Immigration
The stay permit process involves several immigration bodies:
- eVisa (Electronic Visa): Once the work permit notification is approved, the Directorate General of Immigration issues an eVisa, which the foreign worker needs to enter Indonesia.
- ITAS (Stay Permit) and MERP (Re-entry Permit): Upon arrival, the foreigner receives the ITAS and MERP at the airport or Batam seaport, allowing the foreign worker to start work immediately.
- e-ITAS (Electronic Stay Permit): Within a few days of arrival, the local immigration office near the foreigner’s residence will issue the electronic stay permit.
Step 3: Register with Local Authorities
Local registration is often straightforward and usually does not require foreigner’s presence:
- Police Report (STM) from the local police office.
- Certificate of Temporary Residence (SKTTS), issued by the civil registration office.
- Existence Report (L/K), filed with the local manpower office.
These registrations help local authorities keep track of foreign workers in their area.
Entering Batam
You can enter Batam not just by air but also through its well-connected seaports, making travel from nearby countries, particularly Singapore, very convenient. This accessibility adds to Batam’s appeal for foreign workers.
The work permit and stay permit provide a comprehensive solution for those planning to work and stay in Batam. Its flexibility and ease of extension make it an attractive option for foreign workers.