Australia to provide Indonesians with 3-year, multiple-entry visas

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Australia has announced that it will provide Indonesian nationals travelling for tourism or short-term business with three-year, multiple-entry visas. Australia also plans to expand online visa lodgement to all Indonesians beginning 1 January 2017.

What does the change mean? The current visa validity period for Indonesians travelling to Australia is one year. Once the change goes into effect, Indonesians travelling to Australia for tourism or on short-term business trips will not have to renew their visas as often. The switch to online visa lodgement is also expected to improve the visa-application process.

• Implementation time frame: Peter Dutton, Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, said the three-year visas will become available in December. The switch to online lodgement is planned for 1 January 2017.
• Visas/permits affected: Visitor visas (subclass 600).
• Who is affected: Indonesian nationals travelling to Australia on visitor visas.
• Impact on processing times: Indonesian nationals will not have to reapply for visas as often. The availability of online lodgement should also significantly improve the visa application process, which currently involves printing out a 22-page application form, filling it out and submitting it to an embassy or consulate.
• Business impact: The changes will make short-term business travel easier for Indonesians visiting Australia.

Background: Australian officials framed the new visa arrangement as part of a broader effort to work closely with Indonesia to boost business and investment between the two countries. The new visas will be valid for three years for stays of up to three months per visit. The move to online visa lodgement follows a handful of pilot projects on electronic visa lodgement and should make the visa-application process easier.

BAL Analysis: Australian officials are hopeful that the visa changes will boost tourism, business and investment by Indonesians in Australia. The changes may also help set the stage for a renewed emphasis on developing stronger business and ties between the two countries.

This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.

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