A new collaboration between Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration and VFS Global aims to simplify visa applications, offering travellers easier access to visas and promoting tourism through a global network.
The Directorate General of Immigration has inaugurated a partnership with immigration services company VFS Global to streamline the application and issuance process for visas to the Republic of Indonesia.
Director General of Immigration, Silmy Karim, explained that his department and VFS Global are not only collaborating on services but are also working to increase foreign nationals’ interest in visiting Indonesia through various promotional programmes.
“VFS Global’s network of partnerships with airlines allows foreign nationals to purchase plane tickets and obtain visas at the same time,” said Silmy in Jakarta on Wednesday, the 16th of October.
Karim also noted that, with services from VFS Global, foreign tourists can arrange their Visa on Arrival (VoA) before arriving in Indonesia. The process becomes easier and faster if they hold an e-visa, allowing them to pass through the autogate system at Indonesian airports more efficiently.
Another added benefit gained by the Directorate General of Immigration through this partnership is the group booking facility and customer service offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean. Additionally, VFS Global’s network spans 153 countries, with 3,469 branch offices worldwide.
“Hopefully, this will increase foreign tourist visits, utilising VFS’s network in 153 countries and their cooperation with airlines,” added Karim.
Meanwhile, VFS Global founder and CEO, Zubin Karkaria, stated that Indonesia is a very popular destination for travellers worldwide. As a result, VFS Global is honoured to partner with the Directorate General of Immigration.
“The new option of applying for a visa through the VFS Global website will enhance the visa application experience and encourage the use of digital platforms,” said Karkaria.
The Indonesian immigration service on the VFS Global website will commence operations in December 2024, just ahead of the year-end holiday season. This partnership will be valid for the next two years, with the potential for extension.