Indonesia’s plan to enable dual citizenship is getting traction, with groups representing the nation’s migrants saying they would be open to returning to the country.
The government hosted a meeting early this month with associations representing Indonesians based overseas and families with mixed nationalities to gather their input on the plan, according to an invitation seen by Bloomberg and confirmed by the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
In that meeting, the groups said they are keen to return if they can get dual citizenship, as that would make it easier for them to get jobs, open businesses and own property.
Photo: EPA
Cahyo Rahadian Muzhar, a director-general at the ministry, confirmed the meeting and said the government is also discussing alternative ways to attract overseas Indonesians to return, including by extending an easier path for children born to parents of mixed nationalities to regain citizenship.
The meeting took place just days after Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Panjaitan said the government would “soon” grant dual citizenship for skilled migrants to address a digital talent gap onshore. If that happens, Indonesia would become the most populous nation in Asia to allow dual citizenship.
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