Indonesia’s immigration authorities are issuing emergency stay permits and waiving overstay fees for foreign nationals stranded by flight cancellations following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

The policy was announced on Monday, September 7, by Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko as authorities responded to widespread flight disruptions caused by volcanic ash.

“We understand the difficult situation and inconvenience experienced by passengers due to these flight disruptions,” Hendarsam said in a statement. “Therefore, the government is committed to providing legal certainty for affected foreign nationals.”

Between September 5 and 7, volcanic ash disruptions forced the cancellation of 520 flights, comprising 254 arrivals and 266 departures, affecting 86,760 passengers, according to immigration authorities.

Foreign nationals unable to leave Indonesia because of the disruptions can apply for an Emergency Stay Permit, or Izin Tinggal Keadaan Terpaksa (ITKT).

The permit is valid for up to 30 days and is issued free of charge. It can be extended if airspace restrictions continue to prevent affected passengers from departing Indonesia.

Immigration offices across the country have begun processing applications.

At Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, two dedicated service counters have been opened for affected foreign nationals. As of Monday, the Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office had processed 26 applications.

Applications had also been processed at immigration offices in Central Jakarta, North Jakarta, Depok, South Jakarta, Ngurah Rai, Juanda, Bekasi and Tangerang.

The Ngurah Rai Immigration Office in Bali had processed one application as of Monday.

The emergency measure is intended to ensure foreign nationals affected by the flight disruptions do not face immigration penalties while they remain in Indonesia due to circumstances beyond their control.