More than a thousand people have signed an online petition demanding the Indonesian government to allow foreigners to stay longer, following the country’s updated immigration policy which went into force last week.
The “new normal” update affected various stay permit holders in Indonesia, including those who hold temporary stay permits (ITAS), permanent stay permits (ITAP), and those who entered the country with visa on arrival and visa-free access.
Under the new regulations, eligible foreigners can extend their visas within a 30-day grace period starting July 13. However, some foreigners are evidently unable to do so, such as those who hold free visas, which cannot be extended. Those who have been granted emergency stay permits introduced at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak are instructed to leave the country before Aug. 12.
“We would like Indonesia to allow foreigners to stay for the long term,” the petition started by a man named Thomas Lewis, said.
The petition, which argues that foreigners should be allowed to stay in Bali to support the local economy, is directed to Bali Governor Wayan Koster.
At the time of writing, more than 1,260 people have signed the petition. Some have shared their current situation in the comments section of the petition, including stories of people unable to fly out due to the lack of flights or fear of traveling amid the pandemic.
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