As reported by Kompas.com, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economic, Sandiaga Uno, is considering granting a long-term stay visa valid for five years.
Sandiaga’s plan being discussed with The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly. The long-term visa is intended to increase the spending of wealthy tourists in Indonesia. “At this time, the exists the potential of one billion people worldwide who are age sixty or over with a combined income of trillions of dollars,” explained Sandiaga in a written statement on Monday, 03 February 2021, explained the Tourism Minister.
Sandiaga’s plan for the long-term visa is intended to take advantage of the trends in which entrepreneurs and foreign tourists come to Bali for 3-4 months each year when winter descends on their home countries.
The new policy is also intended to help handle cases where foreign tourists are work illegally in Bali while traveling on a tourist visa. A new class of “global citizens” is emerging, known as “digital nomads,” who desire to work internationally without being tied to a specific location.
The proposed new long-term visa carries with it several specific requirements. Sandiaga described how those seeking a 5-year visa must deposit Rp. 2 billion for an individual and Rp.2.5 billion for a family. The visa holders are then permitted to invest their money in Indonesia using a visa that can be renewed every five years.
The Indonesian destinations targeted to extend the long-term visa are Bali, Batam, and Bintan. Other destinations forming part of the ASEAN Travel Corridor will also potentially be included over time.
At present, in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections, foreign tourist visitors remain barred from visiting Indonesia.
