Immigration: ITAP And ITAS Holders Can Now Cross 'Autogate'

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Acting Director General of Immigration Saffar M. Godam said that foreign nationals (WNA) holding Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP) and Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) can now cross immigration autogates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Integration of visa issuance systems and residence permits with the autogate system improves the performance of immigration services at crossings. Before this policy was implemented, autogates could be used by foreigners who only had e-Visa or Visa-Free Visits (BVK).

Previously, foreigners holding ITAP or ITAS conducted immigration checks at the counter by officers, although there was a special counter. Now the experience is more concise, more enjoyable and very effective," said Godam in his statement, quoted from Antara, Saturday, November 2.

Godam explained, in the January-September 2024 period, there were 3,518,963 foreigners passing in and out of Indonesia via autogate or an average of around 390,000 foreigners per month.

According to him, the autogate process which only takes 15-25 seconds per person facilitates immigration inspection traffic, so that the volume of crossers using autogates increases steadily.

Currently, he continued, the total autogates operating at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport are 88 units, while at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport there are 120 units.

Furthermore, Plt. The Director General of Immigration detailed that the Directorate General of Immigration had issued 134,037 limited stay permits and 3,648 residence permits remained until September 2024.

Godam believes that by improving public services through system digitization, especially optimizing autogates, the Directorate General of Immigration will make it easier for ITAP and ITAS holders who are also routine travelers.

Digitalization of immigration services for foreigners is implemented starting from applications for visas online through the evisa.imigration.go.id website. Not only that, but the collection of biometric data can now be done independently through the website, so applicants no longer need to be present at the immigration office. Likewise, at the time of extension of the residence permit, everything is done digitally," he said.

Godam emphasized that the convenience obtained by foreigners holding ITAP or ITAS does not reduce the security aspect. The reason is, face recognition technology (face recognition) on autogates ensures that everyone passing by is not included in the checking list or red notice.

"We continue to encourage efforts to attract quality foreigners to come to Indonesia, so that the state will have a positive impact, especially in terms of the economy. We implement visa policies and residence permits as filters but at the same time make it easier at the same time," he said.