Here's How The Omnibus Bill Will Enable You to Work in Indonesia Easily!
July 2021
Written by : Marsha Huwaidaa
The work environment plays a very vital role in employee performance in any industry around the world. It is often said that “ The better a work environment is, the better it is for the employer - not just the employee. Positive work environment is crucial “. This quote has become some saying that’s relatable throughout this pandemic. We’re facing the reality where working remotely could be as effective as in the office. This regulation could be disastrous to few people. But, apart from them are those who feel like this is the long-awaited silver lining in the middle of chaos.
Hence, to maintain their productivity during this era, Most people are seeking a new working nuance. They are experiencing a new concept of working habits which was popularized with the concept of digital nomads, or someone who works without being bound by time and place. The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy sees this trend as an opportunity to improve the current economy in Indonesia. Especially Bali.
The “Long-term Visa” program issued by The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy is an idea to ease foreigners' stay in administrative procedures and to drive business or to help create employment for Indonesian. The Work From Bali has become one of their crucial programs to evoke Indonesia’s economic growth with strict requirements due to the soaring amount of Covid-19 transmission in Jawa-Bali.
Bali has the highest number of vaccination rates in the country. Data shows that one in three people on the island has received a vaccination. The government has also prepared 3 green zones to support tourism in the Bali area. Those are Ubud in Gianyar Regency, Sanur in Denpasar City, and Nusa Dua in Badung Regency. Bali's tourism-dependent economy shrank 9.85 percent in the first quarter this year. These regulations would revive Bali’s economy in the most effective ways. Though, the restrictions on community activities (PPKM) have been enforced from 3rd - 20th of July 2021. Work From Bali will be resumed with several restrictions and strict healthy protocols.
This program aims to enable international tourists to long term stay in Indonesia, to recover the tourism business sector. It plans to target business owners and travelers who are willing to stay at least 3-4 months in Bali and experience a better working nuance. This is also an effort to promote the beauty of exotic Indonesia's popular island that provides tranquility in the middle of the Covid-19 outbreak. Foreign visitors would be able to work in Indonesia under this visa.
Besides this regulation, the omnibus bill introduces an investment relaxation to the new list of sectors in which investment is prohibited. The revised application of these job creation legal regulations led to beneficial changes in the immigration sector. These changes are interesting and advantageous for foreigners. Here’s how the omnibus law will make your visa request easier and time-efficient ! .
The first provision that catches most attention in the public's eye is the significant change in the Validity of a Limited Stay Permit, configuring a more straightforward procedure for a stay permit. One of the revised regulations is an extension of ITAS validity (Article 148). The validation was previously only arranged for six years. But, with the latest government regulations. Visa could be extended for 10 years more with requirements that have applied.
- Beneficial Stay Permit for The Expat
- Extendable Validity Period
The validity period of stay permit for multiple entry visit visa that applied in 2013 was 60 days and had a non-extendable policy. While in 2021 this permit is granted for a maximum period of 180 days and extendable for aggregate stay upmost 12 months.
- More Time-Efficient Stay Conversion
For instance, the previous regulations had a rule if “ITAS “& “ITAP” (permanent residency) 1must be done by the guarantor of a concerned foreigner. Which inefficient to apply during the Covid-19 outbreak. Today, the updated regulations have allowed self-apply to an immigration office for a permanent stay permit.
- Relaxing Rule for The “Second-Homers”
To begin with, Article 102 introduces us to the “second home” category whereby foreigners can now obtain ITAS for non-work purposes to have Indonesia as a “second home” (Rumah kedua). Foreigners don't need a work purpose to earn this second home classification. However, they must have settled in Indonesia for 5 (five) to 10 (ten) years and fulfill certain requirements to qualify
This is indeed an implementation of breath in fresh air for the expatriates. The so-called big breakthrough introduced by the Omnibus Law is noticed to be most beneficial in the labor market. Furthermore, we could observe if this effort regulated by the government is about achieving goals where investment, big or small, could increase capital flow to the country and improve spending, which accounts for more than half of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Also, this policy counted to be effective to save tourism business as the heart of Dewata. Thus, the regulations provide more job fields for the nation.