The Indonesian Immigration Authority has introduced a new initiative aimed at fostering stronger connections with the Indonesian diaspora. The Diaspora Visa seeks to provide comfort and convenience to overseas Indonesians desiring an extended stay in their homeland.

The Diaspora Visa, which can be granted for a duration of either five or ten years, was designed with the goal of facilitating the Indonesian diaspora's wish to contribute actively to the nation's progress. Silmy Karim, the Director General of Immigration, expressed the significance of this policy in simplifying the process for expatriates to reside in Indonesia for an extended period, allowing them to view the country not only as a place of heritage but also as a space where they can actively engage in work and contribute to the nation's development.

Addressing the media at the Directorate General of Immigration Building in Jakarta on Thursday, November 16, 2023, Karim stated, "The Diaspora Visa addresses their challenges. Now, it is straightforward for the Indonesian diaspora to stay for an extended period and contribute to Indonesia."

In addition to offering extended stays, the Diaspora Visa comes with various conveniences, including direct residence permits. Karim highlighted the ease of application through the online portal evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Notably, the Diaspora Visa application doesn't require a guarantor, with a set of straightforward application requirements:

• Possession of a passport with a minimum validity period of 12 months.
• Submission of financial evidence demonstrating the ability to cover living expenses during the extended stay.
• Inclusion of a color photograph as part of the application documents.
• Submission of a statement of commitment within 90 days of arrival. This commitment can manifest through purchasing Indonesian Government bonds, investing in shares/mutual funds in public companies in Indonesia, or maintaining savings/deposits of at least US$35,000 or Rp542,000,000.
• Inclusion of documents proving that the applicant was once an Indonesian citizen, such as an identity card, birth certificate, family card, Republic of Indonesia passport, diploma, or house certificate.

Drawing inspiration from other countries, including India, Ireland, and Portugal, which have implemented similar policies for their diaspora, Karim underscored the importance of adopting effective measures to harness the potential of the Indonesian diaspora. With approximately six million Indonesians spread across 18 countries, the implementation of the Diaspora Visa reflects a strategic move to strengthen ties and encourage active participation from the expatriate community in the nation's growth and development.