Foreign nationals in Indonesia who are still facing any issues related their visas now have an extra month to extend stay permits and remain in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indonesian Immigration has announced on Tuesday (Aug. 18) that the immigration has extended the deadline by another 30 days till September 20 for foreigners to extend their visas or permits.

Mr. Jhoni Ginting, Director General of Immigration, has stated in a circular, “Up to this point, there are still obstacles causing difficulty for foreign nationals to apply for visa approval or immigration stay permits. So, the deadline, which was previously set for Aug. 20, has now been extended to Sept. 20.”

The circular has been confirmed by Putu Suhendra, head of the information department at the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.

Foreign nationals holding single or multiple visit visas, crew visit permits, visa on arrival (VOA) permit, visitor permits (ITK) and emergency stay permits (ITKT), are eligible to request a renewal. Moreover, foreign nationals whose stay permits have expired or are about to expire or are not eligible for extensions, are able to apply for a new stay permit due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

At the same time, holders of free visas, expired permanent stay permits (KITAP) or limited stay permits (KITAS) who have reached their extension limit after the issuance of ITKT have to apply for a new visa and immediately report to the local immigration till Sept. 20, 2020.

According to the statement of Mr. Jhoni Ginting, foreigners who do not meet the mentioned requirements would be subject to administrative sanctions.