IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower has said that it will not introduce its new foreign worker online application system until November.

What does the change mean? Applicants will be able to submit applications online through the current TKA Online system until Oct. 31 and should anticipate the possibility of delays between now and November as authorities conduct IT work to get the new system ready.

  • Implementation time frame: November 2018. Implementation depends on interagency systems integration, and it is possible that the Directorate General of Immigration is able to integrate the ministry’s platform before Oct. 31.
  • Visas/permits affected: Any visa or permit application submitted through the ministry’s online application system, including applications for expatriate placement plans (RPTKA) and work permits (IMTA).
  • Who is affected: Employers submitting applications through the ministry’s online application system.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing could be prolonged as Indonesia prepares to switch to the new system.

Background: The Ministry of Manpower announced in July that it would switch to a new online system. Plans to introduce it were subsequently delayed, and the ministry said in a circular dated Aug. 1 that it will continue to accept applications on the current platform through Oct. 31.

BAL Analysis: Applicants may continue using the current TKA Online system through Oct. 31 as authorities will continue to work on the new system between now and November. Officials are also doing IT work on the Directorate General of Immigration’s online system, which has led to delays for limited stay visa applicants. “Similar delays may occur with the Ministry of Manpower in the upcoming period,” said Philo Dellano, managing partner of PNB Immigration Law Firm in Jakarta.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and PNB Immigration Law Firm in Indonesia. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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