Indonesia is set to review its policies on issuing tourist, pre-investment and investment visas following increasing abuses by foreigners seeking long-term residence in the country. Law and Human Rights Minister Supratman Andi Agtas has initiated an investigation and review of the visa issuance mechanisms, identifying ways in which foreigners circumvent the rules.
Existing visa categories, including on-arrival, pre-investment and investment visas, have strict restrictions on the types of activities permitted. Despite this, in theory, foreigners can use temporary on-arrival visas for long-term residence in Indonesia. However, foreigners are increasingly abusing pre-investment visas, which are valid for 12 months, for other purposes.
This visa category is attractive to many because it is longer valid than visas on arrival, but it only allows for limited activities such as seeking investment opportunities, holding business meetings and market research.
