Batam continues to strengthen its reputation as a strategic investment hub. IMMIcare stay permits are the latest initiative designed to make immigration processes faster and easier for foreign investors and expatriates. With this program, immigration officers now bring services directly to industrial areas, aligning with Indonesia’s broader push to create a more investor-friendly climate in key economic zones.
IMMIcare Stay Permits Support Batam’s Investment Climate
IMMIcare officially launched in Batam’s main industrial zones, including Batamindo, Panbil, and Kabil. The program is modeled after the success of Eazy Passport, a mobile passport service for Indonesians.
Through IMMIcare, foreign investors no longer need to wait in long queues at immigration offices. “If Indonesians can be served with mobile services, why not foreigners?” said Head of Batam Immigration Office, Hajar Aswad. He stressed that investors deserve efficient services to keep the local investment climate competitive.
In addition to stay permit processing, IMMIcare offers coaching clinics where companies receive guidance on immigration rules and available facilities. Long-term solutions are also part of the program, including the Golden Visa, which provides five-year stay permits for foreign executives and their families. “The approach is now more humanistic and preventive. We embrace them and provide information,” Hajar explained.
Batam Immigration Services Simplify Foreign Worker Needs
IMMIcare is designed to meet investors where they operate. Immigration officers provide services directly in industrial parks, ensuring companies can manage permits without disrupting productivity.
This includes handling smaller groups of applicants, as noted by Hajar: “Today, even if only three or four people show up, we still serve them. We’ll evaluate later.” This flexibility ensures that businesses of all sizes benefit from the program.
The program also emphasizes legal certainty and efficiency. “Immigration no longer waits but comes directly to economic centers,” said Wira Zulfikar, Head of Travel Documents and Stay Permits at the Riau Islands Regional Office. By removing administrative bottlenecks, IMMIcare helps strengthen Batam’s role as an investment-friendly city.
Expatriates in Batam Spur Immigration Innovation
The need for immigration reform became clear as Batam’s expatriate population grew. Around 5,000 to 6,000 Chinese nationals currently hold stay permits in the city, making them the largest foreign group.
They are followed by Indian and Malaysian citizens. Many stay for business or work assignments rather than short-term visits. As Hajar pointed out, “The largest number right now is from China, followed by India, then Malaysia.”
This growing presence places Batam among the leading border cities in Indonesia with a high concentration of expatriates. Industrial and residential clusters such as Nongsa and Batamindo continue to attract long-term foreign workers. IMMIcare responds to this demand by offering direct services that fit the needs of expatriates, while also making Batam more attractive for future investors.
Golden Visa Indonesia Attracts Long-Term Commitment
One of IMMIcare’s highlights is the inclusion of the Golden Visa, a stay permit designed to encourage lasting investment. The five-year visa is available for foreign executives and their families, offering stability for both professional and personal lives.
By providing this option, Indonesia signals its commitment to long-term partnerships with global investors. Streamlined immigration processes ensure that Batam can compete with neighboring hubs while maintaining an edge in attracting fresh capital.
According to PT Batamindo General Manager, Mook Sooi Wah, this service reduces barriers to investment and boosts productivity. “Hopefully this program becomes an important milestone for Batam and Indonesia’s economic growth,” he said.
Building an Investor-Friendly Climate Across Indonesia
IMMIcare represents more than just a local initiative. Its success in Batam could pave the way for nationwide adoption. Immigration authorities are already preparing reports and standard procedures to propose IMMIcare as a national model. Hajar emphasized, “We hope Batam becomes the pilot project for all of Indonesia.”
The program reflects Indonesia’s vision of a supportive, efficient, and transparent environment for investors. By reducing bureaucracy and offering targeted services, IMMIcare creates opportunities for economic growth while ensuring better oversight of foreign residents in border regions. As Batam leads the way, Indonesia takes a significant step toward building an investor-friendly future.
Source: gokepri.com
Image: Getty Images
