A Calling Visa is a special visa framework applicable to nationals of certain countries that are considered to pose a higher level of immigration or security risk or otherwise require heightened scrutiny. Accordingly, the designation of such countries, as well as the application and issuance of visas to their nationals, are subject to a specific regulatory regime under Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 2 of 2024 on the Procedures for Designating Calling Visa Countries and the Application and Granting of Visas to Nationals of Calling Visa Countries (“MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024”), which came into effect on 15 January 2024.
1. Concept and General Framework of Calling Visa
A Calling Visa constitutes an enhanced immigration control mechanism applicable to nationals of certain countries (“Calling Visa Countries”) through:
- the designation of countries subject to the Calling Visa regime by the Minister, based on an assessment by the visa assessment coordination team; and
- differentiated application procedures and requirements for visas, including visit visas and limited stay visas, applicable to nationals of Calling Visa Countries.
As expressly provided under MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024, visas that may be granted to nationals of Calling Visa Countries include visit visas, both single-entry and multiple-entry, as well as limited stay visas. Such visas may be applied for by the relevant foreign national or by a sponsor, in accordance with MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024.
This new framework replaces the previous regulatory regime and simplifies the structure of the visa assessment team and the visa application process. As explained in immigration-related analysis, MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 repeals the previous regulation while maintaining the continuity of the functions of the existing visa assessment coordination team until a new team is established.
2. Designation and Evaluation of Calling Visa Countries
The designation of a country as a Calling Visa Country is conducted through an assessment by the visa assessment coordination team. The assessment takes into consideration security, public order, and national interest. The relevant criteria include the level of migration risk, potential misuse of stay permits, and considerations relating to diplomatic relations.
MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 expressly provides for periodic evaluation of the status of Calling Visa Countries, as follows:
- The visa assessment coordination team must conduct an evaluation at least once every one year or at any time as necessary, as provided under MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024.
- The regime governing the designation of Calling Visa Countries under MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 constitutes a specific framework supplementing the general visa framework under Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration (“Immigration Law”), which classifies visas into diplomatic visas, service visas, visit visas, and limited stay visas.
Accordingly, the “Calling Visa” status does not change the classification of visas under the Immigration Law. Rather, it introduces an additional layer of supervision and specific requirements applicable to certain persons, namely nationals of Calling Visa Countries.
3. Applicants and Sponsor Obligations
3.1. Who May Submit the Application
Visa applications by nationals of Calling Visa Countries are specifically regulated under MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024.
A visa application may be submitted by a national of a Calling Visa Country to an Immigration Officer designated by the Directorate General of Immigration, as provided under MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024.
In addition to the relevant foreign national, the visa application may also be submitted by a Sponsor.
In general, nationals of Calling Visa Countries may submit their applications directly. However, the regulatory framework places an important role on a domestic Sponsor, whether an Indonesian citizen or an Indonesian legal entity, to assume administrative responsibility for the foreign national’s presence in Indonesia.
3.2. Mandatory Sponsor Requirement
MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 requires every national of a Calling Visa Country to have a Sponsor.
The Sponsor must be either:
- an Indonesian citizen; or
- a legal entity domiciled in Indonesia.
This sponsor requirement is consistent with the general immigration sponsorship principle under Government Regulation No. 31 of 2013, as amended by Government Regulation No. 40 of 2023 (“GR 31/2013 as amended by GR 40/2023”), under which a Sponsor is responsible for the foreign national’s presence, activities, and departure from Indonesia.
4. Visa Application Routes for Nationals of Calling Visa Countries
4.1. Applications through the Directorate General of Immigration
MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 distinguishes the application procedures based on the type of visa and the characteristics of the applicant.
Applications by the Foreign National or Sponsor
- Visa applications are submitted through the immigration management information system, together with the required documents under the applicable laws and regulations.
- Immigration-related analysis explains that these requirements refer to the general framework under Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 22 of 2023, which may include a passport valid for at least six months, proof of sponsorship where applicable, evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, a photograph, and other documents explaining the purpose of the visit and other relevant matters.
Applications from a Third Country
Where an application is submitted outside the applicant’s country of nationality through an Indonesian representative office, the applicant must provide an additional document in the form of a permanent resident card in the country where the applicant resides, as provided under MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024.
4.2. Applications through an Indonesian Representative Office under Special Circumstances
Under special circumstances:
- For humanitarian reasons and/or force majeure, a national of a Calling Visa Country may submit a visa application through an Immigration Officer designated at an Indonesian representative office in the applicant’s country of nationality.
- If there is no Immigration Officer at the relevant Indonesian representative office, the application may be submitted to a Foreign Service Officer at the Indonesian representative office in the applicant’s country of nationality.
This framework is consistent with the Immigration Law, which grants authority for the issuance of diplomatic and service visas to the Minister of Foreign Affairs through Indonesian representative offices, while operational functions relating to visit and limited stay visas are carried out by Immigration Officers stationed overseas.
5. Types and Purposes of Visas for Nationals of Calling Visa Countries
MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 confirms that the issuance of visas to nationals of Calling Visa Countries remains subject to the general classification of visas under the Indonesian immigration system. Visas are granted based on the applicable visa classification under the relevant laws and regulations.
However, the Calling Visa regime applies to the procedure and authority for visa issuance, rather than creating a separate visa category.
Under GR 31/2013 as amended by GR 40/2023, visit visas are further classified into single-entry and multiple-entry visit visas, while limited stay visas have specific indices and validity periods. The Minister is also authorized to determine the classification and description of activities covered by multiple-entry visit visas.
6. Calling Visa Countries Without Diplomatic Relations with Indonesia
MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 specifically regulates situations where a Calling Visa Country does not have diplomatic relations with Indonesia.
- Nationals of a Calling Visa Country that does not have diplomatic relations with Indonesia may only apply for a visit visa, in accordance with MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024.
- The visit visa application must be submitted by a Sponsor to the Director General of Immigration.
7. Visa Issuance Mechanism and Approval Authority
MOHLHR Regulation 2/2024 establishes two mechanisms for the issuance of visas to nationals of Calling Visa Countries.
7.1. Visa Issuance without Approval from the Director General
Where an application is submitted by a national of a Calling Visa Country to an Immigration Officer or a Foreign Service Officer at an Indonesian representative office, the visa may be issued directly by the relevant officer at the representative office.
7.2. Visa Issuance Requiring Approval from the Director General
Where an application is submitted by a Sponsor to the Director General of Immigration, the visa may only be issued after approval has been granted by the Director General.
Compared with the general mechanism for multiple-entry visit visas, where the process involves completeness checks, payment verification, profiling, approval, and issuance by a designated Immigration Officer, the Calling Visa regime introduces a higher level of control for certain categories:
- the level of approval is elevated to the Director General of Immigration; and
- the discretion available to officers at the operational level is narrowed to strengthen national security and immigration risk management.
How TAMA Global Mobility Can Assist
TAMA Global Mobility advises multinational corporations, foreign investors, and international businesses on navigating Indonesia’s Calling Visa requirements and related immigration matters.
Our services include:
- Calling Visa Eligibility and Requirement Assessment;
- Calling Visa Application and Sponsorship Advisory;
- Immigration Compliance Reviews for Nationals of Calling Visa Countries;
- Immigration Risk Assessment and Regulatory Advisory;
- Visa and Stay Permit Strategy for Foreign Executives and Employees;
- Sponsor Compliance and Governance Advisory; and
- Strategic Advisory on Complex or High-Risk Immigration Matters.
Through our practical and risk-based approach, we help clients understand the applicable Calling Visa requirements, prepare the appropriate application strategy, and manage immigration risks associated with bringing foreign nationals to Indonesia.
We work closely with clients to provide clear, commercially practical guidance and support compliance with Indonesia’s evolving immigration framework.
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TAMA Global Mobility
WhatsApp: +62 821-1015-402
Email: info@tamaglobalmobility.com
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