New regulations impacting business visitors to go into effect by 23 October 2023

On 22 August 2023, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued Regulation Number 22 on Visas and Residence Permits, which went into effect on 24 August 2023. The government is expected to begin implementing changes pursuant to the new regulation within 60 days of the regulation going into effect (i.e., by 23 October 2023).

Key developments

The following changes will go into effect by 23 October 2023:

• Single-Entry Visas (SEVs):
  • SEV holders will be able to perform two additional activities in Indonesia (i.e., providing after-sales services and installing and repairing machines).
  • Applicants who seek to visit Indonesia for internship or pre-investment purposes may be granted SEVs with an initial validity of 180 days and apply to extend these visas for a total maximum validity of 12 months. Currently, SEVs are issued with an initial validity of 60 days regardless of the purpose of the visa holder’s visit and can be extended for a maximum of 180 days.
  • Applicants will be required to submit additional supporting documents explaining the purpose of their visit, subject to the discretion of the authorities.
• Multiple-Entry Visas (MEVs):
  • MEV holders will be able to perform additional activities in Indonesia (i.e., audits, production quality control, inspections at Indonesian branches of their employer, pre-investment, family visits, medical treatment, tourism).
  • MEVs will be issued with a validity of one, two, five or 10 years. 10-year MEVs will only be issued to individuals who visited Indonesia using five-year MEVs within the last three years.
  • Individuals who seek to visit Indonesia for pre-investment purposes may be granted MEVs with an initial validity of 180 days and apply to extend these visas for a total maximum validity of 12 months.
  • Applicants will be required to submit additional supporting documents explaining the purpose of their visit, subject to the discretion of the authorities.
• Visas on arrival: Holders of these visas will be able to enter Indonesia to receive medical treatment and visit family.
• Visa exemptions: Individuals who are admissible without a visa will be permitted to enter while on duty as shipmen, pilots, captains or crew members, or to visit family members or receive medical treatment.

Impact on employers

These changes are expected to benefit employers that seek to send business visitors to Indonesia.

Key steps

EY will continue to monitor these developments. Should you have any questions, we encourage you to contact one of our immigration professionals.