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Ministry wants more flexible immigration rules for Timor Leste
Even though Indonesia has implemented a visa-free policy for residents of Timor Leste, the regulation does not apply to expatriates living in the neighboring nation
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Though Indonesia has implemented a visa-free policy for residents of Timor Leste, the regulation does not apply to expatriates. (Shutterstock/*)
E
ven though Indonesia has implemented a visa-free policy for residents of Timor Leste, the regulation does not apply to expatriates living in the neighboring nation.
The Timor Leste government has its own policy that requires expatriates to file a report at the country’s representative office in Bali in order to enter Indonesia.
Read also: EDITORIAL: Flip-flop visa policy
According to Belu Regent Willybrodus Lay, some 15,000 expats want to visit Indonesia and some have committed to make an investment in Atambua, the nearest Indonesian town to Timor Leste.
The driving time between Timor Leste and Atambua is only 30 minutes, passing three main border posts: Mota Ain, Wini and Mota Masin.
“We’re going to discuss this issue with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and try to reason with Timor Leste to change the regulation,” said Vinsensius Jemadu, the Tourism Ministry's deputy assistant for Asia-Pacific tourism promotion. (asw)
