Bali immigration authorities have deported two Chinese nationals accused of practising medicine without valid permits at a private hospital in Denpasar.
The individuals, identified by their initials QL, a 40-year-old woman, and LW, an 18-year-old man, were found to have worked as medical practitioners despite entering Indonesia on visitor visas, according to the Denpasar Immigration Office.
Head of the Denpasar Immigration Office R. Haryo Sakti said the two individuals had allegedly operated a medical practice without the appropriate residence permits or official medical licences.
“Every foreign national staying in Indonesia is required to comply with prevailing immigration regulations,” Sakti said on Sunday, 11 October, as quoted by ANTARA News.
Public Reports Led to Immigration Investigation
The case came to light following reports from members of the public concerning foreign nationals allegedly practising medicine without authorisation at a hospital in Denpasar.
Following the reports, officers from the Denpasar Immigration Intelligence and Enforcement Division conducted surveillance at the private hospital to investigate the allegations.
When officers arrived, neither individual was treating patients. However, immigration officials subsequently took administrative action, including securing their passports and summoning them to the immigration office for clarification.
An investigation found that QL and LW had entered Indonesia in July 2026 using visitor visas. Despite their immigration status, they were found to be working as medical practitioners at the hospital.
According to immigration authorities, the pair did not hold the appropriate residence permits for employment or valid licences from Indonesian health authorities to practise medicine.
Sakti said the two individuals had allegedly been working at the private hospital without the necessary authorisation.
Deportation Under Indonesian Immigration Law
The Denpasar Immigration Office deported both individuals for violating Indonesia’s immigration regulations. QL was returned to Beijing, while LW was sent to Wuhan in China.
The deportations were carried out under Article 75(1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration, which provides a legal basis for immigration officials to impose administrative measures against foreign nationals who violate Indonesian laws and regulations.
The case highlights the requirement for foreign nationals to hold the appropriate permits when undertaking professional work in Indonesia. A visitor visa does not authorise employment as a medical practitioner, and foreign nationals must also meet the relevant licensing requirements before practising medicine.
