Indonesia has opened applications for a new Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) permit, offering former Indonesian citizens and those of Indonesian descent the right to live and work in the country indefinitely, a senior immigration official told Reuters.
Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship for adults, forcing individuals with multiple nationalities to choose one when they turn 18. The GCI scheme is designed as an alternative, modeled after India’s Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) program.
“GCI is a strategic solution to dual citizenship issues by giving unlimited stay permits to those with strong ties to Indonesia,” Is Edy Eko Putranto, Director of Residence Permits and Immigration Status at the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Institution, said while adding that the diaspora can support economic development.
Eligible applicants include former Indonesian citizens, foreign nationals with Indonesian ancestry up to the second degree, and children from mixed-nationality marriages.
The government hopes the program will help counter concerns over brain drain, as more Indonesians pursue permanent residency or citizenship abroad. Nearly 4,000 Indonesians became Singaporean citizens between 2019 and 2022.
“The ministry is turning the brain drain phenomenon into a strategic opportunity by enabling Indonesian talent to return or contribute remotely,” Edy said.
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