Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing Indonesian Immigration. This kind of dovetails a little bit with Thai Immigration, I will get into it in a minute. I do occasionally make videos about the countries kind of surrounding Thailand here in ASEAN especially because a lot of folks that come to Thailand often vacation or they are sort of "digital nomads" or whatever; they are moving around, there's kind of interaction, there's some relevant points, data points if you will to be had by those who are coming to Thailand. I think it can provide some insight to folks who are looking to travel around the region, that is why we do the videos from time to time. 

I thought of making this video after reading a recent article, actually from reading a recent comment on our channel, quoting directly: "Ben I'm, (I think they meant sure) Ben, I'm sure you have been following this similar news and upcoming decree in Bali where the bule's" (full disclosure, I have never been to Indonesia. I don't know the lingo and things down there) "in Bali where the bule's or farangs," (and that is Thai for foreigner) "are going out of control and disrupting the Balinese folks. Complete disregard for the law regarding motorbikes, overstay and violating Tourist Visas by working. It seems like both Thailand and Indonesia have had it." 

Well look, they have always had these issues. Thailand especially has always been very concerned about foreigners taking Thai jobs and other countries are very concerned about people coming to their country and taking jobs, there's no doubt about this. And honestly Bali, if as they say in this comment is having issues with unruly foreigners or whatever, well you can bet there's probably going to be a crackdown. Most folks don't like people not from their country coming to their country and causing disruptions. 

So interesting to note that Indonesia seems to be taking a tough stance with regard to Immigration. I have to be honest with you, I think this is part of an overarching trend. I expect Immigration matters throughout ASEAN to get tighter as years progress and I think the reason for this is, there is going to be financial issues in other countries; you are going to see a lot of folks look to expatriate in the longer term and I think that many of these countries are going to be looking at that and saying "well look we need to manage that, we need to bring in," I always think of the film Harry Potter where they are talking about the sort of Gryffindor and it's also a book too, I am well aware of that, but the sort of Gryffindor where they say "it only takes in that which makes it stronger". In many ways that is sort of the motto if you will of Immigration. They don't want people who are going to disrupt their country; they don't want people who are going to bring down their country, or going to hold them back. They want people who are dynamic; they want people who are going to come in, do business or just add to the local economy. For example retirees are a good example of that. Be it Indonesia, be it Thailand, it's clear that many Immigration Officials feel that way and quite honestly as foreigners in the region, it's on us to essentially comply with it.