Indonesia Launches Global Citizenship Program to Address Dual Nationality Issues

 

JAKARTA – The Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has officially launched the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), a groundbreaking policy designed to address long-standing issues surrounding dual nationality. The program offers a permanent, unlimited residency permit for foreign nationals who have bloodline connections, family ties, historical links, or other strong affiliations with Indonesia.

Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, described GCI as an innovative solution that upholds Indonesia’s sovereignty while accommodating global mobility. “GCI provides broad residency rights for foreign nationals who have strong ties to Indonesia without requiring them to change their citizenship status. This policy demonstrates Indonesia’s ability to adapt to global dynamics without compromising the principles of national citizenship law,” he said.

Agus added that similar concepts have been implemented in several countries, such as India’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI). These international precedents show that policies like GCI are credible and feasible, strengthening Indonesia’s global competitiveness. He emphasized that the Directorate General of Immigration is prepared to manage GCI with a focus on legal certainty, service efficiency, and international standards.

Eligible applicants for GCI include former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second generation, legal spouses of Indonesian citizens or former Indonesian citizens, and children born from lawful marriages between Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals. However, the policy excludes foreign nationals from countries that were once part of Indonesian territory, individuals involved in separatist activities, and those with backgrounds in foreign civil service, intelligence, or military institutions.

Applications for GCI can be submitted online through evisa.imigrasi.go.id. The integrated all-in-one system streamlines processes including the issuance of a Limited Stay Visa, conversion to a Permanent Stay Permit, renewal of indefinite permanent residency, and unlimited re-entry permits.

“Indonesian immigration will continue to respond to global challenges with progressive policies. GCI is proof that our immigration system not only serves but also transforms in line with modern demands,” Agus concluded. (Team)