The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration, under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas), has announced significant updates to its visa classification system. Effective immediately, through Decree of the Minister of Immigration and Corrections Number M.IP-08.GR.01.01 Year 2025, Indonesia has streamlined its visa categories, reducing the number of indices from 133 to 110. This comprehensive revision aims to optimize immigration services and better align with evolving global dynamics and the needs of visa applicants. The move is a direct result of a thorough evaluation of the existing system, focusing on efficiency and relevance.

Key Highlights of the New Regulations:

1. Simplified Visa Classification: The most notable change is the reduction in the total number of visa indices, from 133 to 110. This simplification is expected to make the visa application process clearer and more user-friendly for foreign nationals.
2. New Visa Categories: The new policy introduces specific visa types to cater to diverse needs:
   • Visa Index C7C: This new visa is for art, cultural, and skill-based activities outside of music, allowing foreign nationals to showcase their expertise in Indonesia, such as magic shows, fan meet-and-greets, or cooking demonstrations by professional chefs on television.
   • Visa Index A1: For foreign nationals from visa-free subject countries, this index now covers short-term tourism, business, and medical treatment (less than 30 days), consolidating previous separate categories.
   • Visa Index B1: Foreign nationals eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA) can now apply under this index for tourism, business, and medical purposes. This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once.
   • Visa Index E28F: Designed for foreign investors looking to invest in the New Capital City (Ibu Kota Nusantara).
   • Visa Index E28G: For foreign investors designated as representatives of a parent company at its branch in Indonesia.
   • Simplified Work Visas: The number of work visa indices has been significantly reduced from 31 to just six. Visas for foreign skilled workers guaranteed by a company (previously 20 indices from E23B-E23W) are now consolidated under Index E23.
   • Non-Corporate Work Visas: Two new indices, E23U and E23V, have been established for work visas with non-corporate guarantors, providing flexibility for applicants from non-corporate institutions or organizations.
3. Enhanced Service Optimization: By streamlining classifications and introducing new visa types, the Ministry aims to provide more relevant and efficient services, catering to a wider range of activities and circumstances.
4. Increased Oversight and Data Accuracy: This update is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration governance. Alongside the visa classification changes, recent circular letters (such as IMI-417.GR.01.01 Year 2025) have emphasized greater control and monitoring of foreign nationals. This includes a new requirement for all foreign nationals seeking stay permit extensions to undergo in-person photo capture and interviews at immigration offices, even if they initially applied online. This measure aims to minimize the misuse of stay permits and and ensure accurate data on foreign presence and activities in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections emphasizes that these updates are crucial for maintaining orderly immigration administration and ensuring national security, while simultaneously striving for a more responsive and effective immigration system. Foreign nationals planning to visit or reside in Indonesia are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the new classifications and requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant immigration process. For detailed information on the new visa classifications and application procedures, applicants should refer to the official website of the Directorate General of Immigration.

Navigating Indonesia’s updated visa regulations can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. For expert assistance with your Indonesian visa application, stay permit extensions, or any other immigration queries, you can trust Amanbali Visa Services. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing seamless, reliable, and up-to-date guidance, ensuring your immigration journey to Indonesia is as smooth as possible