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American Indonesian

Chamber of Commerce

�for business and understanding�

 

To: All Members 

From: Wayne Forrest, Executive Director

 

Business Visas For Indonesians

 

I have just returned from a 10 day trip to Indonesia.�� I will be forwarding a more detailed trip report shortly but I want you to be aware of a growing need for our members to better plan for hosting their Indonesia business partners.� Many US companies have grown frustrated with the US Embassy's handling of the visa policy issued by US Attorney General's office in the wake of 9/11.� Indonesians are getting denied or subjected to a lengthy

review process before they can leave the country.

 

AICC has been asked to intercede in several cases. I want all members to know that I will continue to write bona fide letters at any time, however, there are limits to what even the US Ambassador in Indonesia can do to expedite the exit of an Indonesian bound for the US.

 

Indonesian males between 19-45 are subject to a 20 day waiting period after their application.� Several branchs of the US government must check their databases for information that may lead them to deny a visit.� Our Embassy staff is under tremendous pressure not to make a mistake and allow a terrorist to unwittingly enter the US; in fact, their careers depend on judgments they are making daily.�� Those over 45 have the potential to get through the process more quickly, but they still have to be interviewed and it can take several weeks for the appointment.

 

With help from AMCHAM interviews can sometimes be gained more quickly and paperwork expedited, but its difficult to speed along the decision process.

 

My recommendation is that if you have any personnel or clients that you think you are going to be hosting in the US in the next six months, get them to apply even if you don't know when they are going to come. They'll be ready.� A business visa is for five years.