ISLAMABAD: The Indon­esian government has rem­oved Pakistan from its Calling Visa Country List after 13 years in view of growing bilateral trade relations and interest of Pakistani travellers to Indonesian tourist destinations.

Pakistan’s Commercial Att­a­c­he to Indonesia Muham­mad Usman in a statement said the decision was taken after concerted efforts of Pakistani leadership and the embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta.

He said the coordinating Minister of Indonesia to Political, Legal and Security Affairs has announced the news. The official decree for the implementation of this arrangement is expected to be issued in coming weeks, he added.

As per new regulations, the Indonesian Missions in Pakistan and other countries would be authorised to issue visas to Pakistani nationals without referring the application to immigration authorities in Jakarta. After the implementation of new visa policy, Pakistanis around the globe, especially residing in the south-east Asia region will be able to obtain Indonesian visa with ease.

The relaxed visa policy will not only result in expansion of bilateral, political and economic relations between the two countries but would also increase people-to-people contact, added the announcement.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2017