Yasonna H. Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia, has announced the launch of a Second Home Visa program for foreign citizens, providing them with a unique opportunity to stay in the country. This visa is designed to allow individuals to enjoy an extended stay in Indonesia and experience the country's rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

During his attendance at the dissemination of the latest Indonesian citizenship and immigration policy at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in San Francisco, United States, on Saturday (25/6), Yasonna H. Laoly, Indonesia's Minister of Law and Human Rights, emphasized that the Second Home Visa offers foreign citizens an opportunity to stay in Indonesia.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Law and Human Rights emphasized that the Job Creation Act has introduced several new policies pertaining to the responsibilities and roles of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

“These duties and functions include the establishment of a new legal entity, known as an Individual Company, and the introduction of a new type of visa known as a 'Second Home Visa'," said the release from the Directorate General of Immigration, received on Wednesday (29/6), clarifying the new policies formulated in the Job Creation Act.

According to a recent press release, Yasonna H. Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia, has stated that the Second Home Visa offers a unique opportunity for foreign nationals, particularly elderly citizens, who wish to settle down in Indonesia. This type of visa allows foreigners to reside in Indonesia for an extended period, with the possibility of renewing their visa every five years.

In addition to being utilized by foreigners who wish to spend their retirement or old age in Indonesia, Yasonna explained that the Second Home Visa can also be an option for those who are unable to obtain other types of residence permits due to various restrictions.

Yasonna emphasized that to obtain the Second Home Visa, foreign nationals must fulfill the stipulated provisions, particularly those related to the principle of contributing positively to the Indonesian economy.

Read more: Visa-Free Visits and Visa on Arrival to Indonesia, 6th April

Children With Dual Nationalities

The Minister of Law and Human Rights also mentioned that the long-awaited policy regarding citizenship, especially for children from mixed marriages, has finally been implemented.

This policy was realized through the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) Number 21 of 2022 which amends Government Regulation Number 2 of 2007 that deals with acquiring, losing, canceling, and regaining Indonesian citizenship.

Yasonna emphasized that this regulation is an important step towards ensuring legal protection and certainty for children born before the enactment of Law Number 12 of 2006 concerning Indonesian Citizens who were not registered as Children with Dual Citizenship (ABG). He further explained that the PP was a form of the state's presence in providing legal protection for those children who were not registered as Indonesian citizens at the time of their birth.

Yasonna further explained that the PP was aimed at addressing the issue of statelessness among children of mixed marriages, providing legal certainty and protection for them, and giving them the opportunity to obtain Indonesian citizenship.

According to Yasonna, the newly enacted Government Regulation (PP) Number 21 of 2022 provides a mechanism for children from mixed marriages who were born before the Indonesian Citizenship Law and children of both Indonesian citizens born in a country with jus soli (so that they become ABG) to obtain Indonesian citizenship through the citizenship application process to the president.

According to Yasonna, applications for Indonesian citizenship under the provisions of PP 21/2022 must be submitted to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights within two years from the promulgation of the regulation, which is until May 2024.

In addition, the Immigration department is providing exemptions to ABG subjects who have been registered, which includes the obligation to have a visa, residence permit, and re-entry permit, through the use of an affidavit.

The submission of affidavits to Indonesian Representative Offices abroad is allowed for ABG subjects who have been registered. Those who live in Indonesia can apply at their local immigration office. The affidavit facility is valid until the ABG subject reaches 21 years old, after which they are required to determine their nationality.