Indonesia Reduces Entry Approvals for Foreigners

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia expands restrictions to foreigners who plan to enter the country as part of the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement on Wednesday, July 21, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said that the temporary suspension also applies to foreign workers who are involving in the national strategic projects.

“Based on Law and Human Rights Minister Regulation No. 29/2021, foreigners who are allowed to enter Indonesia are the holders of Indonesian diplomatic visa or Indonesian service visa, diplomatic stay permit or service stay permit, temporary stay permit or permanent stay permit, foreign medical aid workers or foreign aid workers for humanitarian purposes, and foreign crews of air, sea and land transport,” said Yasonna in the statement.

"The expansion of restrictions on foreigners entering Indonesia aims to suppress the spread of Covid-19," the minister said.

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The ministerial regulation which takes effect on July 21 also replaces the previous Ministerial Regulation No. 26/2020 on Visa and Stay Permit during the New Normal Adaptation Period.

Yasonna added that the foreigners who are allowed to enter Indonesia would still need a recommendation letter from the relevant ministry/institution in the country.

The new ministerial regulation is also based on the agreement with other relevant ministries such as the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Transportation.

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Taking an example, he said, coordination should be made together with the Foreign Affairs Ministry if foreign diplomats are on assignments to Indonesia.

Meanwhile, foreign medical aid workers or foreign aid workers for humanitarian purposes must also obtain recommendation letters from the ministry or institution that involves in handling Covid-19, he added.

(Writer: Irfan Kamil | Editor: Bayu Galih)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/07/21/17070931/orang-asing-dibatasi-masuk-ke-indonesia-tka-tak-lagi-bisa-masuk.