Australian Government Triples Resident Return Visa Fees, Sparking Indonesian Diaspora Backlash

Australia raised the fee for its Resident Return Visa on July 1, 2026, lifting the charge from AUD $490 to AUD $1,475 and drawing anger across the Indonesian diaspora. The jump landed overnight.

The new price applies to subclasses 155 and 157, the routes many permanent residents use to keep their travel rights. The department lists the visa on its official Resident Return Visa 155/157 page. It is a familiar document.

Indonesia generally does not allow dual nationality, so many Indonesians in Australia stay on the renewal track instead of becoming citizens. That leaves them paying for an RRV every five years. The fee now hits harder.

The department’s explanatory statement pointed to administrative costs, demand patterns, and policy objectives. Critics read the move differently. They said visa fees were being turned into a revenue source. That accusation sharpened the backlash.

The increase works out to roughly 201%. For people who need the visa to re-enter after travel, the cost is no small change. It bites into mobility.

Indonesia adds its own squeeze at home

Indonesia then added pressure from the other side of the ledger. On July 21, 2026, Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas defended higher charges for naturalization and for giving up Indonesian citizenship. He tied the changes to a ministry that now runs on digital systems.

“The Law Ministry is now transforming into a fully digital institution. This system must be maintained. We provide 530 public services, and they all require sustainable [funding]. the public needn't worry about this increase.”

The changes sit under Regulation No. 30/2026. Naturalization for foreigners will rise from Rp 50 million to Rp 75 million, while renouncing Indonesian citizenship will rise from Rp 1 million to Rp 5 million. Both fees are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

That leaves many migrants facing higher costs on both sides of the border. Another bill is coming.