"This aims to tighten (rules for) foreigners who can receive our investor visas. We will be more selective," its director general Silmy Karim noted in a statement from his office on Thursday.
Based on Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 22 of 2023 regarding Visas and Stay Permits, ITAS issuance for investors can be processed with a capital participation requirement of Rp10 billion (US$641 thousand) and Rp15 billion (US$962 thousand) for permanent stay permits (ITAP).
Before the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights was enacted, the capital participation requirement for ITAS issuance for investors was relatively low, namely Rp1 billion (US$64 thousand).
Karim noted that the policy change was in response to the Regulation of the Investment Coordinating Board Number 4 of 2021 concerning Guidelines and Procedures for Risk-Based Business Licensing Services and Investment Facilities.
On the other hand, he said, his office also actively conducts surveillance operations for foreigners across Indonesia, especially Bali, to tighten the noose around foreigners misusing their stay permits.
"Last June, the Immigration secured 103 Taiwanese involved in a cybercrime, using an investor visa," he revealed.
He remarked that the visa can be issued procedurally based on verification results, including checking prevention records.
"However, during their stay in Indonesia, not all foreigners have the integrity to comply with the regulations," Karim pointed out.
He emphasized that his agency carries out service and law enforcement functions. In addition to improving services, the immigration office is committed to strengthening immigration supervision.
"Acceleration of service and law enforcement is not only carried out systematically and in infrastructure but also at the policy level. We also carry out evaluations to improve the quality of foreigners entering Indonesia," he stated.
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