Long overstay, wanting to exit. Best course of action?

[André]

I have come across a similar story before, not just in Indonesia but in Philippine, Thailand, etc. From what I have learned, those who have been in this situation usually come forward to Immigration, explain their circumstances. It is better if they provide any evidence showing they were deceived and left without funds. If you can prove you were a victim, it would strengthen your case.

Remember, you are not a criminal or a threat, but Immigration officials must enforce the law. They will likely be relieved that you are voluntarily leaving.

Typically, they will take your passport, notify your embassy, and begin the deportation process. Your embassy may assist with the arrangements. So like other people said no need to buy your ticket at this stage (see below).

As for immigration detention, I am not entirely sure. However, since they have your passport and have informed your embassy, there may be little reason to detain you, as the risk of escape (absconded) is minimal.

This is just my opinion, so proceed at your own risk of being detained. However, whether you voluntarily go to Immigration or simply show up at the airport, both scenarios carry a chance of being placed in immigration detention.

Thank you for your reply, and yes, I'm now prepared to go through the process. It's too much money to lose if I am detained longer than the date on my ticket.

I won't be giving them too much information or proof (I don't have direct proof of that) on my misfortune back in 2019 though, I believe the process will be the same either way. I know this is an offence they need to take care of, so I'm good with that now, after all of you guys' replies.

Thanks again

 

[André]

I would be very careful about bribing the immigration officers, they have been trying to clean up these services overt bribery might be seen as a bad thing. Just be respectful and humble with them.

I'm not thinking of a bribe at all, just suggesting if he'll buy some food for me, while I'm in a holding cell, he could buy some for himself too. I think that's a normal thing to offer, and I believe that's appreciated.
I would never bribe anyone to get these proceedings expedited.

Just for clarification

 

[pantaiema]

Thank you for your reply, and yes, I'm now prepared to go through the process. It's too much money to lose if I am detained longer than the date on my ticket.

I won't be giving them too much information or proof (I don't have direct proof of that) on my misfortune back in 2019 though, I believe the process will be the same either way. I know this is an offence they need to take care of, so I'm good with that now, after all of you guys' replies.

Thanks again

I have posted a deportation story in this forum "si kocong". It might be different with your situation as this case involved a minor.

Goodbye Bali

I bet it was a man that came up with that rule! What an archaic tradition. Why are the men so afraid of giving women power? You sure don't see many in the political ads? Why can't Catholic priests have wives? Look at many of them becoming pedophiles! I'm not saying we should change over to a...

www.expatindo.org

But as I stated in my previous post I have read few similar stores, not just happening in Indonesia but also In Thailand, Philippine, etc.

 

[André]

I have posted a deportation story in this forum "si kocong". It might be different with your situation as this case involved a minor.

Goodbye Bali

I bet it was a man that came up with that rule! What an archaic tradition. Why are the men so afraid of giving women power? You sure don't see many in the political ads? Why can't Catholic priests have wives? Look at many of them becoming pedophiles! I'm not saying we should change over to a...

www.expatindo.org

But as I stated in my previous post I have read few similar stores, not just happening in Indonesia but also In Thailand, Philippine, etc.

Yes, I did read the stories on this forum before I posted. There were a couple of successful ones with ticket in hand as well, but that seems risky to do, I realise that.

When it comes to Thailand, I'm well aware of the rules there. My last wife for 9 years, was Thai. I never overstayed there, I was on a marriage visa. Non Immigrant O based on marriage, with yearly extensions.

In Thailand you are always safe if you get to the airport, and pay your overstay fine (max. 20k baht). No matter how long your overstay is. No detention, only routine paperwork, done in a few minutes. And they let you board the plane. Are you caught before getting to the airport though, it's a whole different story. You will be arrested, and sent to IDC in Bangkok. I hear the conditions there are terrible.

That's why I posted here. To hear if Indonesia has a similar process. It seems here it's more left to chance. And I can't afford to take that chance, just to be out a few days earlier.

Thanks for your input

 

[pantaiema]

Yes, I did read the stories on this forum before I posted. There were a couple of successful ones with ticket in hand as well, but that seems risky to do, I realise that.

When it comes to Thailand, I'm well aware of the rules there. My last wife for 9 years, was Thai. I never overstayed there, I was on a marriage visa. Non Immigrant O based on marriage, with yearly extensions.

In Thailand you are always safe if you get to the airport, and pay your overstay fine (max. 20k baht). No matter how long your overstay is. No detention, only routine paperwork, done in a few minutes. And they let you board the plane. Are you caught before getting to the airport though, it's a whole different story. You will be arrested, and sent to IDC in Bangkok. I hear the conditions there are terrible.

That's why I posted here. To hear if Indonesia has a similar process. It seems here it's more left to chance. And I can't afford to take that chance, just to be out a few days earlier.

Thanks for your input

For overstaying in Indonesia up to 60 days. Typically, You only pay daily penalty of Rp1m per day. If this fine is settled at the airport upon departure, detention is not usually involved. Maximum Penalty is Rp60m e.g for up to 60-day overstay.

Overstaying beyond 60 days is considered a more serious violation. In such cases, individuals are subject to administrative measures, which can include deportation and blacklisting from re-entering Indonesia. But without a court decision, the overstay is treated as an administrative violation rather than a criminal offense. Detention can occur during the investigation process, but the individual is not deemed a criminal unless a court rules otherwise.

They are unlikely to get the court involved if there is an easy way to fix it by getting the embassy involved.

 

[André]

For overstaying in Indonesia up to 60 days. Typically, You only pay daily penalty of Rp1m per day. If this fine is settled at the airport upon departure, and detention is not usually involved. Maximum Penalty: For a 60-day overstay, the total fine would be Rp60m

Overstaying beyond 60 days is considered a more serious violation. In such cases, individuals are subject to administrative measures, which can include deportation and blacklisting from re-entering Indonesia. But without a court decision, the overstay is treated as an administrative violation rather than a criminal offense. Detention can occur during the investigation process, but the individual is not deemed a criminal unless a court rules otherwise.

They are unlikely to get the court involved if there is an easy way to get the embassy involved.

Yes. I'm aware. Let's just hope this will be deemed as an administrative violention.

I can't see why the embassy will need to be involved though. Or what difference that makes. I have had my case discussed with them, and they mentioned nothing about getting involved. Or any advantage that would make. They said this was a pretty much straight forward process, with no other repercussions than a ban from entering Indonesia.

Thanks again

 

[pantaiema]

Yes. I'm aware. Let's just hope this will be deemed as an administrative violention.

I can't see why the embassy will need to be involved though. Or what difference that makes. I have had my case discussed with them, and they mentioned nothing about getting involved. Or any advantage that would make. They said this was a pretty much straight forward process, with no other repercussions than a ban from entering Indonesia.

Thanks again

The embassy is usually involved since it is their responsibility to ensure the well-being of their citizens abroad. Additionally, they may provide financial assistance for deportation or repatriation costs, such as covering the ticket expenses if the individual cannot afford it.

 

[André]

The embassy is usually involved since it is their responsibility to ensure the well-being of their citizens abroad. Additionally, they may provide financial assistance for deportation or repatriation costs, such as covering the ticket expenses if the individual cannot afford it.

No, the embassy (at least the Scandinavian ones) never assists with covering any expenses. That is their clear policies. I do believe the US may assist with a loan. They are the only embassy I know who assists in an economical way when overstay is involved.

My Norwegian embassy made clear that their assistance only went as far as to (more severe) legal issues, or/and contacting family at home, if necessary for financial support.

In my case, there is no help, or point, getting them further involved in this process. They have had other overstay cases with Norwegians involved, but never with involvement from the embassy's side, because they are settled on their own (we Norwegians know that's our policy).

Anyway, there is no need for financial support in my case either

 

[pantaiema]

No, the embassy (at least the Scandinavian ones) never assists with covering any expenses. That is their clear policies. I do believe the US may assist with a loan. They are the only embassy I know who assists in an economical way when overstay is involved.

My Norwegian embassy made clear that their assistance only went as far as to (more severe) legal issues, or/and contacting family at home, if necessary for financial support.

In my case, there is no help, or point, getting them further involved in this process. They have had other overstay cases with Norwegians involved, but never with involvement from the embassy's side, because they are settled on their own (we Norwegians know that's our policy).

Anyway, there is no need for financial support in my case either

Andre,

I never said you have to report it to your embassy. Indonesian Immigration might be the one to inform them. In the case of 'Si Kocong,' Immigration notified the Ukrainian Embassy, which then assisted with the repatriation costs.

Officially, embassies publicly state that they do not provide financial assistance for repatriation for obvious reason. I belive they see it case by case, if someone is unable to cover the costs, I highly doubt they would refuse to help, considering a tiny cost. They are more likely to assist discreetly to avoid any potential embarrassment, especially with media attention. This is even more likely with Scandinavian countries, which are well known for their strong welfare and benefit systems.

 

[André]

Andre,

I never said you have to report it to your embassy. Indonesian Immigration might be the one to inform them. In the case of 'Si Kocong,' Immigration notified the Ukrainian Embassy, which then assisted with the repatriation costs.

Officially, embassies publicly state that they do not provide financial assistance for repatriation for obvious reason. However, if someone is unable to cover the costs, I highly doubt they would refuse to help, considering a tiny cost. They are more likely to assist discreetly to avoid any potential embarrassment, especially with media attention. This is even more likely with Scandinavian countries, which are well known for their strong welfare systems.

I do understand what you are saying here, but I can assure you that my embassy (or UDI) never ever assists with any finances in these cases. It's a 100% firm policy, which has been up for discussions in my country many times in the past. It's a well known fact there.

As far as I know, the same goes for most countries in Europe, and at least the Nordic ones. Our great welfare system is unfortunately irrelevant. This is about being responsible for your own situation, or else people would flock to the embassy after volunteraly overstaying (to save money), knowing the embassy would pick up the pieces after your own bad choices.

I have lived 15 years in Thailand, met numerous people with first hand experience on this topic, and no one has ever heard of anyone getting financial support from their embassies. I befriended a UK citizen once, who had experience from IDC in Bangkok, claiming no UK citizen ever got financial support to get back home either.

But we are a little off topic here
Thanks for your post anyway

 

[Brian86]

I would seriously consider getting a lawyer with connections in the local immigration office. Let them go-between and you will have a much better chance at not spending any overnight in detention.

 

[André]

I would seriously consider getting a lawyer with connections in the local immigration office. Let them go-between and you will have a much better chance at not spending any overnight in detention.

Thanks for your input, but I wouldn't even know where to start to find someone like that. It also sounds unnecessary expensive.

I can live with a day or three in a holding area, if I will be able to leave shortly after that. At least I hope to keep my phone during the process, so I can do the necessary arrangements accordingly.

 

[fastpitch17]

I would turn myself in at Immigration at the airport. I would not have a ticket already purchased unless I could aquire an open ended one to use when I wanted. I would expect to spend a few days in detention. Any less would be a nice thing. I would expect my embassy to be contacted even though they would not give any financial help, they will give legal assistance if needed. Otherwise the reporting is just a courtesy to the Embassy. They report any foreigner in detention. Check the other threads for Immigration fees for blacklist. 90 juta if you don't want a ban or paid to remove your name from blacklist if you do want to return. You said you wouldn't so no worries. Just remember, you should avoid immigration knowing you full finances. Separate the cost of a ticket from other finances. If you are asked for any money you get an official receipt for it.

 

[Shadrach]

Man, This is a serious matter!. You keep bantering back and forth with everyone trying to give you good advice. The Law is 1,000.000 RP. Per day overstay penalty. So if you overstayed Five Years, let's do the math.
365 &5= 1.825 days. That times 1.000.000 = 1.825.000.000 RP.
Am I right? Do you have this much money? What are you going to do if Immigration asks for this amount? I hope you have people back home with enough money to help you. Good Luck.

 

[André]

I would turn myself in at Immigration at the airport. I would not have a ticket already purchased unless I could aquire an open ended one to use when I wanted. I would expect to spend a few days in detention. Any less would be a nice thing. I would expect my embassy to be contacted even though they would not give any financial help, they will give legal assistance if needed. Otherwise the reporting is just a courtesy to the Embassy. They report any foreigner in detention. Check the other threads for Immigration fees for blacklist. 90 juta if you don't want a ban or paid to remove your name from blacklist if you do want to return. You said you wouldn't so no worries. Just remember, you should avoid immigration knowing you full finances. Separate the cost of a ticket from other finances. If you are asked for any money you get an official receipt for it.

Thank you for your reply, and this solid advice. You mainly agree with other comments here, and this is exactly what I've decided to do. Hopefully it all turns out as planned.
Regarding the last advice, I use Revolut bank, and I intend to only show the amount I need for my ticket on there. They have a savings account, which are not shown at my main account, so the rest will be there. Good thinking.

I will give an update after landing in Norway, but it won't be before late March

 

[André]

Man, This is a serious matter!. You keep bantering back and forth with everyone trying to give you good advice. The Law is 1,000.000 RP. Per day overstay penalty. So if you overstayed Five Years, let's do the math.
365 &5= 1.825 days. That times 1.000.000 = 1.825.000.000 RP.
Am I right? Do you have this much money? What are you going to do if Immigration asks for this amount? I hope you have people back home with enough money to help you. Good Luck.

This fee or penalty is limited to 60 days of overstay. There is technically no fee for an overstay of more than 60 days. Instead you'll be banned from entering Indonesia for a specific period of time, and detained before deported (paying for your own ticket to your home country).

That's the Indonesian immigration's guidelines.

I'm not bantering back and forth at all, I'm in fact following the advice I've been given here, and have respectfully and politely been answering your posts.
Luckily I still have a valid passport.

 

[harryopal1]

I suspect that there are those embassy employees enjoying all the benefits of an overseas posting and really not wanting to be inconvenienced. However, if you are surrendering at the airport or dept of Immigration I think it would help you immeasurably to have a Norwegian Embassy representative with you. They may tell you it is not necessary but nothing to lose by you,re insisting you want their representative there with you.

I am not being facetious in suggesting you find a few really good books. There are likely to be hours of just sitting around waiting and especially so if you are formally held. Despite having a phone, something to immerse yourself in would be better than just your mind going over and over all the issues with which you are confronted if you are detained

I hope it turns out much better than you are anticipating. Good luck..

 

[Shadrach]

What I don't understand about your situation, is how in the world did you even think this wouldn't be a major problem, after overstaying Five Years! Yea you told us about the Woman, I'm sorry to hear about that. It hurt's like Hell when a Woman screws you over, and Covid, but hey, you could have left anytime during the Covid lockdown, with a ticket out!
Why didn't you contact someone from your home country to send you money, and buy a ticket out? I could understand if it was a year or so, but Five years? You obviously knew this and didn't try to fix your situation.
I don't know but, if you did this in many other countries in the World, you could be in Serious Trouble!
It will be interesting to see what the Immigration does with you?

 

[André]

I suspect that there are those embassy employees enjoying all the benefits of an overseas posting and really not wanting to be inconvenienced. However, if you are surrendering at the airport or dept of Immigration I think it would help you immeasurably to have a Norwegian Embassy representative with you. They may tell you it is not necessary but nothing to lose by you,re insisting you want their representative there with you.

I am not being facetious in suggesting you find a few really good books. There are likely to be hours of just sitting around waiting and especially so if you are formally held. Despite having a phone, something to immerse yourself in would be better than just your mind going over and over all the issues with which you are confronted if you are detained

I hope it turns out much better than you are anticipating. Good luck..

I have been kind of entertaining myself for the last 5 years, with movies, tv-series, and interacting in a couple of discussion forums, so I am used to that idea. Good suggestion about a book to read though. I won't know if even my computer is available for me at the airport, if I am held there. I guess it depends how their holding cells look like, if they have those available.

Regarding a representative from the embassy, I really didn't get the feeling they had any interest in doing more than giving me advice, but I'll think about that. My embassy is located in Jakarta though, but they do have a consulate here in Medan.

Thank you for your advice

 

[André]

What I don't understand about your situation, is how in the world did you even think this wouldn't be a major problem, after overstaying Five Years! Yea you told us about the Woman, I'm sorry to hear about that. It hurt's like Hell when a Woman screws you over, and Covid, but hey, you could have left anytime during the Covid lockdown, with a ticket out!
Why didn't you contact someone from your home country to send you money, and buy a ticket out? I could understand if it was a year or so, but Five years? You obviously knew this and didn't try to fix your situation.
I don't know but, if you did this in many other countries in the World, you could be in Serious Trouble!
It will be interesting to see what the Immigration does with you?

First of all, I'm not here to justify my overstay. I'm here for advice. I will out of courtesy give an answer anyway, because of all the good advice and respectful replies I've got here.

First I'll say as much as there is in reality no difference if you have 5 months overstay, or 5 years. The reaction, the process, penalty and fee, are mainly the same. So the length is more or less irrelevant. But high ends might of course matter.

That said, under lockdown there were no flights. And that was exactly when my overstay started, and the penalty went quickly up to 60 million rupiah. I had in reality no chance getting home from that point, because it also cost me money to continue staying in the country.
I might have got leniency when it comes to counting penalty days, because of the covid situation, but I didn't take the chance to find that out. It wouldn't help anyway. When the airport opened up, it was too late for me.

So, as I have stated before, I did not have enough money for a ticket through continents to get home at that point. My embassy was not a solution either. Believe me, I tried.

I understand that you are used to have family around you, or friends who might help, but we are not all in that position. I am 62 years old, and don't have other family alive than my only son, who is struggling himself. So help from him has been out of the question.

Friends? I've been living more than 20 years abroad, and with that lost contact with old friends from my own country. That's how life unfortunately works. Got some new friends abroad of course, but expat friends who are willing to risk lending out 7-800 euro, those are hard to find..

So I have waited until the day of my early pension will arrive (in Norway that age is from 62). That's next month. Finally I can make it out of here.

Sad story, I know. But we are not all fortunate in life. There are times when we actually need help. I had no one when that day came to me. Well, I've had my cat for a few years though. But I haven't taught him to help with my finances yet...
So I needed to figure it all out by myself.

But so far I have had my best 15 years of my life in Thailand, up until 7 years ago, so I can't complain. I've had a pretty good life.
Hopefully I'll find a decade or two more with happiness after this dust has settled.