INDONESIA IMMIGRATION POLICY DURING COVID-19 AS OF MAY 27, 2020
June 2020
INDONESIA IMMIGRATION POLICY DURING COVID-19 AS OF MAY 27, 2020
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) has severely infected millions of people across the globe. As the virus is easily transmitted, nations worldwide have taken extreme measures to reduce the spread, and Indonesia is no exception. Domestically, the central government has mandated several cities and provinces to employ Large Scale Social Restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar/PSBB). At the same time, Indonesia’s Immigration policy has been reducing the number of foreigners who enter Indonesia. On March 19, 2020, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights issued the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 8 of 2020. The Regulation stipulates the temporarily halting of issuance of Visa Exemptions and Visa on Arrival for foreigners subject to both Visas. With the issuance of the Regulation two months ago and the massive spreading of the virus, does the Regulation still apply? What are the current immigration regulations being implemented in Indonesia? This article provides further insight into these questions.
Ministry of Law and Human Right Regulation Number 11 of 2020
The number of cases and deaths due to Covid-19 has increased exponentially, and the government has taken a more severe approach to immigration. The government has issued the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 11 of 2020 (MOLHR 11/2020) concerning Temporary Prohibition of Foreigners Entering the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia. This Regulation has entered into force since April 2, 2020. The Regulation has strictly banned foreigners from entering/transit in Indonesia. Therefore, all foreigners are not granted a permit to enter Indonesia. This provision excludes: Foreign Holders of Limited Stay Permits and Permanent Stay Permits; Foreign Holders of Diplomatic Visa and Service Visa; Foreign Holders of Diplomatic Stay Permits and Official Stay Permits; Workers of Medical and food aid as well as support workers, based on humanitarian purpose; Crews of conveyance both sea, air, and land; Foreigners who will work on National Strategic Projects. Even with the exceptions as mentioned above, the foreigners may only enter Indonesia after they have fulfilled the following requirements: Health certificate written in English issued by health authorities of each country; Has been fourteen (14) days in a territory/country free of Covid-19; Statement whereas the foreigner is prepared to be quarantined for fourteen (14) days implemented by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.
Circular Letter number IMI-GR.01.01-2325 and IMI-GR.01.01-2493
Following the above provision, the Directorate General of Immigration has issued Circular of the Director-General of Immigration Number IMI-GR.01.01-2325 of 2020 concerning Temporary Ban on Foreigners from Entering the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia, which is expanded through Circular Letter Number IMI-GR.01.01-2493 of 2020. These Circular Letters elucidate further MOLHR 11/2020. These Circular Letters also add that foreigners who intend to enter the Republic of Indonesia’s territory for family reunification might also be granted an Emergency Stay Permit to Entry (Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa Masuk – “ITKT Masuk”). This provision is intended for Holders of Limited Stay Permit (“ITAS”) or Permanent Stay Permit (“ITAP”) for Work/Non-Work/Investor, whose validity period has expired and are currently abroad; and Holders of ITAP for Work/Non-Work/Investor, whose Re-Entry Permit has expired.
Circular Letter Number HK.02.01/MENKES/313/2020
In connection with foreign citizens who meet the exception provisions, the Ministry of Health has issued Circular of the Minister of Health Number HK.02.01/MENKES/313/2020 concerning the Health Protocol to Handle the Return of Indonesian Citizens and Foreign Citizens Arriving from Foreign Countries at State and Regional Entrances in Situations of Large-Scale Social Restrictions. The Circular Letter has come into force since May 7, 2020. The Circular Letter reaffirmed that any Foreigners entering Indonesia should have a Health Certificate in English, stating a negative result of Covid-19 PCR test. The health certificate shall be valid no later than seven (7) days after being issued by the health facility from the country of origin. The Port Health Authority at the port/airport/land border port of entry (PLBDN) shall validate the health certificate upon arrival. The Circular Letter also provides further protocols concerning Foreigners who have health certificates or do not carry a health certificate.
Conclusion
Based on the preceding article, in conclusion, due to the increase of Covid-19 cases, Indonesia is implementing a stringent policy on foreigners entering Indonesia. The provisions are not only stricter, but also more rigorous for foreigners that may enter Indonesia. However, with PSBB that may end sooner or later, there may be a new immigration policy that eases the current provision. Marccus Partners will be able to provide the latest updates on the regulations, thus enabling clients to keep fully up-to-date.