The Directorate General of Immigration of the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has officially launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), a new policy that provides a solution to issues surrounding dual citizenship.
GCI is, in essence, a form of indefinite permanent residency permit for foreign nationals with blood, kinship, historical, or strong ties to Indonesia. The policy opens up opportunities for individuals from various countries who share such connections with Indonesia.
“GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations. This policy also demonstrates that Indonesia is capable of adapting to global dynamics without sacrificing the principle of legal sovereignty regarding citizenship,” stated the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Agus Andrianto.
Those eligible to apply for GCI include foreigners who are former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree, and the legal spouses of both Indonesian and former Indonesian citizens. Furthermore, children born from legal marriages between Indonesian citizens and foreign citizens are also eligible for GCI facilities.
Meanwhile, this residence permit does not apply to foreign nationals who originate from countries that were once part of Indonesia, are involved in separatist activities, or have a background in civil service, intelligence, or military service abroad.
Additionally, Andrianto revealed that a similar concept has been implemented in several countries, such as the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) in India. The implementation of such policies in other jurisdictions demonstrates the credibility and feasibility of GCI’s implementation in Indonesia. This also underscores the Directorate General of Immigration’s readiness to manage policies oriented towards legal certainty, ease of service, and international competitiveness.
“Indonesian Immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. GCI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but will continue to transform following the development of the times,” concluded the Minister.
GCI applications can be submitted online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Through an integrated system, GCI applications cover the issuance of a Limited Stay Visa, the transfer of status from a Limited Stay Permit to a Permanent Stay Permit, the extension of an Indefinite Permanent Stay Permit, and the Indefinite Re-entry Permit.