The International Office (Kantor Urusan Internasional / KUI) held a Workshop on New Visa Applications and Foreign Researcher Permits on June 27, 2024. The workshop took place on the 4th floor of the UNDIP Library and featured a speaker directly from the Directorate General of Immigration. The workshop aimed to introduce the new visa application system to IO UNDIP staff handling foreign researchers conducting research within the university.
The event was attended online by the Head of the IO UNDIP, the Deputy Head of the IO UNDIP, the Directorate of Immigration Traffic as the resource person, the Heads of IO from universities in and around Semarang, and IO operators from all faculties at UNDIP.
The E-Visa, launched by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, is a system developed to expedite and simplify bureaucratic procedures. It serves as an alternative to visas issued at borders. Previously, this system had older features and regulations, necessitating the dissemination of updates to the current E-Visa.
Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., LL.M., Head of KUI UNDIP, stated that Diponegoro University is committed to providing detailed and comprehensive knowledge transfer and experience to IO staff at universities in and around Semarang regarding visa registration and permits for universities conducting research in collaboration with immigration. “We hope that this socialization will provide learning and benefits regarding the importance of updates in the field of internationalization within educational institutions,” he said in his opening remarks.
“The initiation of this event stemmed from concerns shared by IO colleagues about the new E-Visa application,” revealed Abdul Rohman, S.Hum., M.Hum., Deputy Head of the IO UNDIP. Although socialization has been conducted by the Directorate of Immigration Traffic, not all IO staff within universities in Semarang have participated. Therefore, he believes this socialization and workshop remain relevant.
Anggit Suhandono, S.H., M.H., a resource person from the Directorate of Immigration Traffic, highlighted several differences between the old and new visa application systems. One of the changes is that visa applications, previously only submitted by guarantors, can now be done by the applicants themselves and paid through various options within the application.
In addition to policy changes, the new E-Visa application system includes regulations related to the types of visas applicable to immigrants. Another change is that for limited stay visas (VITAS), prospective students or immigrants no longer need to visit the immigration office, as the visa will be issued directly at the airport.
A Q&A session followed the material presentation, and the event continued with a demo on filling out the new E-Visa application. The Immigration and Stay Permit Manager of IO UNDIP, Retno Widowati, led the application demo. The event concluded with a presentation titled “Foreign Researcher Permits” by Winda Febiana Puspitaningrum, IO UNDIP Staff. (Sahila-Public Relations)
