Visa Applications from Bangladesh to Indonesia Stuck in Limbo for Months

Hundreds of visa applications submitted by Bangladeshi nationals to Indonesia are currently stalled in the immigration system, with no clear explanation provided by authorities. This policy hold, implemented in November 2025, has left many applicants in a state of uncertainty, unable to secure the necessary approvals for their travels.

As of September 1, 2026, applications from Bangladesh, alongside those from Sudan and Palestine, are experiencing significant delays, with many stuck in a verification status. According to licensed visa agencies operating within Indonesia's centralized eVisa system, the indefinite hold means that applications are not being formally rejected but are effectively paused, creating a backlog that has left applicants frustrated and confused.

The Directorate General of Immigration (Ditjen Imigrasi) initiated this temporary hold on November 11, 2025, affecting all visa categories processed through the electronic system. The measure was taken without a public announcement or clear rationale, leading to speculation regarding the motivations behind it. While similar restrictions have been lifted for Sri Lanka and Sudan, Bangladeshi applications remain under a full practical hold with no indication of when normal processing might resume.

The absence of a formal statement from immigration officials has further complicated the situation. A review of official press releases revealed no communication addressing the hold on Bangladeshi visas, suggesting that it was implemented as an internal operational policy rather than through an official regulation. This lack of transparency has heightened concerns among applicants who are left without guidance or recourse.

Historically, such holds on visa processing have coincided with increased scrutiny regarding asylum and irregular migration routes through Indonesia, particularly those leading to third countries like Australia. Although immigration authorities have not confirmed this as the reason behind the current hold on Bangladeshi applications, the timing aligns with broader tightening measures within Indonesia's immigration policy.

The impacts of this hold are far-reaching for Bangladeshi nationals, as they are required to obtain a visa for any entry into Indonesia. Legitimate travelers, including businesspeople and family visitors, find themselves unable to obtain approvals regardless of the completeness of their documentation. Agencies have cautioned against submitting duplicate applications, which can complicate the case file without expediting processing.

While the situation remains fluid, the trend of tightening immigration controls is evident. Data from the first half of 2026 indicates a significant decrease in the issuance of visa-free visit facilities, with an 87.91% drop compared to previous periods. Furthermore, immigration authorities have rejected thousands of passport applications due to suspected links to human trafficking and irregular labor practices.

As of now, there is no public timeline provided by the Indonesian immigration authorities regarding when normal processing for Bangladeshi applicants might resume. Given the precedent of Sri Lanka's previous hold, which lasted four months, and the ongoing stasis affecting Bangladesh, stakeholders can expect continued uncertainty in the near term. Businesses and individuals reliant on Bangladeshi travel to Indonesia are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential delays.