Indonesia Launches Unlimited-Stay Permit for Former Citizens via GCI

JAKARTA — Indonesia has officially introduced the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program, which grants an indefinite stay permit to former Indonesian citizens and those of Indonesian descent, according to statements from the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (24/11/2025). 

The initiative aims to provide a legal pathway for people with strong familial or historic ties to Indonesia to live and work in the country without giving up their foreign citizenship, according to Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto.

“GCI adalah solusi yang menjawab polemik kewarganegaraan ganda dengan memberikan hak tinggal yang luas bagi warga negara asing yang memiliki keterikatan kuat dengan Indonesia tanpa mengubah status kewarganegaraan asing mereka,” Andrianto said in a ceremony marking the policy’s launch. 

Eligibility for the GCI program includes:

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  Former Indonesian citizens. 

  
  


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  Descendants of former citizens up to the second degree. 

  
  


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  Legal spouses of current or former Indonesians, as well as children from lawful mixed-nationality marriages. 

  
  

However, the policy excludes certain groups: foreigners from territories that were once part of Indonesia, individuals linked to separatism, intelligence, or foreign military service. 

Applications for the GCI status must be submitted online through the Immigration Ministry’s e-visa portal. The process is “all-in-one”: it covers issuance of a limited-stay visa, conversion to permanent stay status, and a permit for unlimited re-entry. 

According to Is Edy Eko Putranto, director of immigration residence permits, the GCI is designed to turn the challenge of “brain drain” into an opportunity.

“The ministry responds to the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon by turning it into a strategic opportunity  so that Indonesian talents can return or contribute remotely,” he told Reuters.

Modeled after India’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) program, GCI does not grant Indonesian citizenship or voting rights it merely provides a very strong residency status.

Legal experts say the initiative could significantly strengthen Indonesia’s ties with its diaspora. With many Indonesians abroad contributing skills and capital, GCI may help channel their potential back into national development.

Analysts expect that, over time, the policy may increase foreign direct investment and human capital returns, as expatriate Indonesians find it easier to spend longer periods in their country of origin.