Indonesia seeks out overseas Indonesians to boost economic growth
The government wants to induce Indonesians living abroad to come home, especially the highly skilled and professionals. A draft proposal under examination would provide incentives and concessions to non-Indonesians while allowing them to keep their foreign citizenship. National security is preventing changes to the existing Citizenship Nationality Law.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The Indonesian government is planning to encourage Indonesians living abroad – some mine millions – to return home, including many Indonesians who lost their Indonesian citizenship upon becoming citizens of other countries.
The government wants to attract former Indonesians, and bring them home to develop the country with their capital, knowhow, and foreign-acquired experience.
The impact of the loss of many Indonesians who move abroad to work or for family reasons is heavy on the country’s prospects for growth, especially if they are skilled workers and professionals.
This is the case for thousands of young Indonesians who obtain Singaporean citizenship every year.
The incentives for returnees include the same benefits offered to Indonesians, except for voting rights; people who qualify for such economic incentives will also be able to keep their foreign citizenship.
Indonesian authorities face however important obstacles in their attempt to develop a strong presence for their country as both a partner and a rival of others in the regional and world arena in business and trade.
An example of both the difficulties and potential is India, which Minister for Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoly, has singled out as a model for inspiration.
Under the Overseas Citizenship of India programme, people of Indian origin and their spouses can apply for Indian citizenship and unrestricted permanent residency in India, but without the right to vote, as well as access to government employment or government subsidies.
In terms of taxation, returnees are equal to Indian citizens and pay for the services they receive in the same way as foreigners.
In Indonesia, outgoing President Joko Widodo is a staunch supporter of such legislation, which has already been drafted and could become effective in July.
It involves the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, and gets around the constraints found in the existing Citizenship Law, whose reform to allow dual citizenship requires more time.
Changes to this law have been under consideration since 2016, but opposition in parliament – based, among other things, on the fear that it threatens national security – has so far prevented any movement.
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24/04/2023 16:07
15/10/2021 12:02
