New Mandatory Online System for Visa Pre-Approval Applications
February 7, 2017
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Indonesia
The Directorate General of Immigration (DGI), which is responsible for all visa pre-approval applications, has transitioned to an online system. All visa pre-approval applications, including those required for the VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) and Multiple Entry Visit Visa applications (filed at Indonesian Consulates), among others, must be filed through this new online system. The new system is expected to delay pre-approvals (also known as Telex) during the transition period but should eventually streamline the application process.
This new system was launched briefly in April 2015 and subsequently taken offline, but now has been brought online again. The new system eliminates the requirement for in-person submissions and appearances.
Details on the System
There is a filing quota of 400 applications per day. Applications cannot be submitted once the daily quota is exceeded.
The authorities have continued to remain silent on the topic of third-party representation, thus at the moment, third-party agents can continue to register and file visa pre-approval applications on their clients' behalf using this new system. As a reminder, all visa pre-approval applications must be accompanied by a recent three-month personal bank statement showing at least USD 1,500 or the equivalent.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Visa pre-approval applicants should eventually benefit from a streamlined system and faster pre-approval processing. However, unannounced system failures or shutdowns should be expected in the interim.
For clients that were not registered for the system in 2015, a one-time registration process will be required, after which a unique user identification and password will be issued for the company. This service may result in a fee if Fragomen assists. Immigration officers have stated that the registration process will take one to two business days.
Fragomen will monitor developments with the system and report any significant impact on application processing times.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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