New Temporary Stay Permit and Standardized Expiry Date Counting Method
November 7, 2016
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According to policy changes, foreign nationals renewing their Work Permit (IMTA) can now apply for a new Temporary Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) that will allow a stay in Indonesia for up to three months while their IMTA renewal is processing.
Additionally, the KITAS expiry date will now be counted starting from the approval date of the IMTA.
New Temporary KITAS Option
The main benefit of the Temporary KITAS is that foreign nationals can avoid having to leave Indonesia if their IMTA is not renewed prior to the expiry of their current KITAS. However, the process will require an extra personal appearance to submit biometrics and foreign nationals will not be able to work until the IMTA renewal is approved.
IMTA renewal applicants who wish to utilize the Temporary KITAS option must follow the below process:
- Submit an IMTA renewal application before the expiry of their current IMTA;
- Before the expiry of the IMTA, visit the Immigration Office to submit a Temporary KITAS application. Proof of IMTA renewal submission must be provided;
- Visit the Immigration office to submit their biometrics and obtain the Temporary KITAS;
- Once the IMTA renewal is approved, submit a Permanent KITAS renewal application (to replace the Temporary KITAS); and
- Visit the Immigration Office again to submit biometrics and obtain the Permanent KITAS renewal, which will allow a stay of up to nine additional months (thus allowing a cumulative renewal period of up to one year).
Previously, KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) renewal applications had to be submitted at the latest within seven calendar days of the KITAS expiry date, and there was an overstay penalty fee for each calendar day. The new temporary KITAS eliminates this requirement.
Change in KITAS Expiry Date Counting
As an additional change, the Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) expiry date will now be standardized across all immigration offices and will be counted starting from the approval date of the IMTA, instead of the previous discretionary policy of each local immigration office.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should benefit from the Temporary KITAS since they will be able to remain in Indonesia even if their IMTA renewal is delayed. Since the authorities are strictly disallowing KITAS renewal submissions even one day beyond the KITAS expiry date, in the event of IMTA renewal delays, the Temporary KITAS application must be submitted before the KITAS expiry date. Foreign nationals should contact their immigration professional to determine if a Temporary KITAS will be required (which would be subject to a fee) and to schedule their biometrics appointments at the Immigration Office.
The change in expiry date calculation for the KITAS means that foreign nationals should enter Indonesia as quickly as possible in order to maximize their IMTA and KITAS validity period.
Fragomen will monitor and plan immigration submissions accordingly and adjust plans for a foreign national’s arrival date.
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].
