JAKARTA. Visa requirements for foreigners applying to study in Indonesian universities have been eased in a bid to attract more international students.

Research and Technology and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir said on Thursday that the number of foreign students was still small at around 5,700, while over 28,800 Indonesian students were currently studying abroad.

Immigration Office director general Ronny F. Sompie said the new policy integrated the process of applying online for a student visa and stay permit.

The government would monitor the implementation of the policy and make necessary improvements such as easing the process of visa extensions and implementing long-term visas, he added.

Previously, the Immigration Office announced that an online service to help foreigners obtain non-electronic temporary stay permits (ITAS) would be launched in February. The change will simplify the ITAS application process for that 68,000 expatriates and foreign students who enter Indonesia every year.

Under the new program, foreigners will not have to visit immigration offices and fill out the application forms in person as all paperwork can be processed via the Immigration Office’s website.

However, only those who hold a temporary stay permit visas (VITAS) will be able to own an ITAS. Those who hold a regular tourist visas will be unable to switch to VITAS and ITAS.

VITAS holders must fill out an ITAS application and upload the documents via the online platform within 30 days of their arrival. The system will automatically detect the nearest immigration office based on the address used in the ITAS application. (Liza Yosephine)

Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie