Immigration Officially Inaugurates Global Citizen of Indonesia on the 76th Immigration Service Day

TANGERANG — The Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services, officially launched the Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) policy on Monday (January 26, 2026). The inauguration coincided with the 76th Immigration Service Day (HBI) (Immigration Anniversary), which was held at the Pengayoman Polytechnic Campus in Tangerang City.

Global Citizen of Indonesia (GCI) is a policy that grants indefinite permanent residence permits to foreign nationals with blood ties, kinship, historical ties, or strong ties to Indonesia, without changing their original citizenship status. Subjects to this policy include former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree, legal spouses of Indonesian citizens, and children from mixed marriages, including family members of GCI residence permit holders through a family reunification scheme.

"This policy provides a solution to the issue of dual citizenship, while upholding the principle of the legal sovereignty of Indonesian citizenship. GCI also opens up opportunities for the participation of the diaspora and individuals with special ties to Indonesia to contribute to various development sectors," explained Acting Director General of Immigration, Yuldi Yusman.

Adam Welly Tedja, a member of the Indonesian diaspora, said that he had been away from Indonesia for 43 years. He said this was his opportunity to visit all of Indonesia's culturally rich provinces.

"I see that in Indonesia there are what I call sleeping giants, talents that haven't yet been awakened. I hope there's an opportunity to share my personal experience and awaken them. I'm very grateful to the Directorate General of Immigration for its initiative to connect Indonesian diaspora everywhere to return to Indonesia. I think this is the best initiative," he said.

Meanwhile, another GCI holder, Karna Gendo, also expressed his appreciation. He said the overall service experience was smooth and the communication was very professional.

"Right now, my focus is on my family. Any future contributions will be within legal and professional boundaries, such as sharing knowledge. Thank you to this GCI program. I am very grateful to be able to participate and feel very honored to be accepted," he said.

GCI applications are submitted online through the electronic visa system (evisa.imigrasi.go.id). GCI e-visas (indexes E31A, E31B, E31C, E32E, E32F, E32G, E32H) are integrated with the border crossing system, including autogates and manual immigration counters. Applicants wishing to use the autogate facility are required to complete the All Indonesia Arrival Declaration before arriving in Indonesia. Within 24 hours of entering Indonesia, GCI e-visa holders will immediately receive an indefinite Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP), without the need to visit an immigration office.

For former Indonesian citizens and their descendants, there are special requirements, including proof of a minimum income of approximately USD 1,500 per month or USD 15,000 per year, as well as immigration guarantees in the form of investment commitments (such as bonds, stocks, mutual funds, or deposits) of a certain value depending on the category, or ownership of high-value property. These immigration guarantees are refundable if the GCI holder decides to end their stay or change their residence permit status.

However, this immigration guarantee requirement does not apply to GCI applicants classified as family reunification. Under this scheme, legal spouses of Indonesian citizens, children from mixed marriages, and spouses of GCI holders can apply for GCI without being subject to immigration guarantee requirements. This policy demonstrates the state's commitment to maintaining family unity and providing convenience for families with legal ties to Indonesia.

Meanwhile, applicants with specialized skills require an invitation letter or a statement of urgency from the central government as a guarantor. Through this scheme, applicants who meet the criteria can reside in Indonesia long-term through an integrated, digital-based service process, while retaining their original citizenship.

Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, emphasized that the direction of immigration policy in 2026 is aligned with the government's broader agenda.

"Entering 2026, Immigration is integrating all its action programs with government policies. Service transformation and the use of technology are the main foundations for realizing modern public services that have a direct impact on the community. Similarly, we are building the GCI by providing convenience through a connected digital ecosystem. This policy is expected to encourage real contributions from the diaspora to national development," said Agus Andrianto.

In addition to the GCI, the government also inaugurated 18 new immigration offices in various provinces, as an effort to expand the reach of passport services, residence permits, and immigration oversight functions. The addition of these work units is expected to bring services closer to the public and strengthen the government's presence in areas that previously had limited immigration facilities.

Yuldi Yusman explained that the inauguration of Global Citizen of Indonesia and the establishment of 18 new immigration offices are concrete manifestations of strengthening digital-based services while expanding the reach of immigration services.

Yuldi emphasized that strengthening the organizational structure and policy innovation will continue to be carried out on an ongoing basis. "We want to ensure that immigration services are not only available, but also relevant, prompt, and capable of addressing the challenges of transnational crime. Moving forward, Immigration will continue to strengthen collaboration, technology, and human resource capacity to optimize state protection for the public," he concluded.