Indonesia has introduced a groundbreaking policy designed to significantly benefit foreigners with deep ties to the country, particularly in provinces like Bali. This new initiative, known as the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), offers an unlimited stay permit for foreign nationals with strong connections to Indonesia, without requiring them to change their citizenship.
The announcement comes as a relief to many individuals who have struggled with Indonesia’s strict single citizenship policy. This policy has often forced those with mixed ancestry to choose citizenship based on passport strength, leaving them feeling disconnected from their Indonesian roots. Additionally, foreigners married to Indonesian nationals have faced difficult decisions regarding long-term residency and citizenship.
Understanding the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI)
The Directorate General of Immigration, part of the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, officially launched the GCI as a solution to these challenges. The policy allows individuals who are citizens of other countries but have significant ties to Indonesia to reside indefinitely in the country. This marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s immigration approach, aligning it more closely with global trends.
Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Agus Andrianto, emphasized the policy’s significance in a written statement:
“GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals (WNA) who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations.”
Eligibility and Application Process
According to the Ministry of Immigration, the GCI is available to a select group of individuals. Eligible applicants include former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former citizens up to the second degree, and spouses of Indonesian citizens. Children born from a legal marriage between an Indonesian citizen and a foreign national, as well as spouses of both current and former Indonesian citizens, can also apply.
The application process for the GCI is conducted through the Official Indonesian eVisa website. Minister Andrianto has assured that the policy will provide legal clarity, ease of service, and international competitiveness. He also noted the success of similar policies in countries like India, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to adapting to global dynamics.
Comparisons with Other Visa Options
For those interested in residency through investment, the Golden Visa remains a viable option. This residency-by-investment visa grants major investors, business developers, and certain highly skilled individuals invited by the government a stay of 5-10 years in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, for tourists and short-stay visitors, the 30-day eVisa on Arrival is the most suitable option. Priced at IDR 500,000, it allows for a single extension of 30 days and facilitates the use of auto-gates at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Tourists are advised to apply for this visa at least 48 hours before arrival, though a 7-10 working day lead time is recommended to avoid potential delays.
Implications and Future Outlook
The introduction of the GCI represents a significant evolution in Indonesia’s immigration policy, reflecting a more inclusive approach to global citizenship. By accommodating those with deep ties to the country, Indonesia is not only strengthening its diaspora connections but also enhancing its international reputation as a welcoming destination.
As Indonesia continues to adapt its policies to meet global needs, the GCI is a testament to the country’s commitment to evolving with the times. This policy not only addresses the challenges of dual nationality but also positions Indonesia as a forward-thinking nation in terms of immigration and residency.
Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the GCI could pave the way for further innovations in Indonesia’s immigration policies, potentially influencing other nations to adopt similar approaches. For now, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth application process and providing clarity and support to those eligible for this transformative residency option.
