Indonesian immigration authorities have deported two Chinese nationals who were found working as doctors at a private hospital in Bali's capital, Denpasar, without valid residence permits or medical licenses, officials said on Sunday.
The two foreigners, identified only by their initials as QL, a 40-year-old woman, and LW, an 18-year-old man, were expelled through Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 29, in a process that began at 9:30 p.m. local time.
"Both were subject to administrative immigration action in the form of deportation," Head of the Denpasar Immigration Office R. Haryo Sakti said in a written statement.
"They covertly operated a medical practice at a private hospital in Bali without the appropriate residence permits and without valid medical licenses," he added.
Haryo said the pair had breached Indonesia's immigration law. "The two foreign nationals were deemed to have violated immigration provisions as stipulated in Article 75, Paragraph (1) of Law Number 6 of 2011 on Immigration," he said. The law allows authorities to impose administrative sanctions, including expulsion, on foreigners who violate domestic regulations.
The case came to light after members of the public reported that foreign nationals were practicing medicine without authorization at the hospital. Officers from the Denpasar Immigration Office's Intelligence and Enforcement Division then placed the facility under surveillance.
When officers inspected the hospital, the two were not treating patients at the time. Authorities nonetheless seized their passports and brought them to the Denpasar Immigration Office for clarification and further questioning.
The investigation found that both had entered Indonesia in July 2026 on standard visitor visas, which do not permit holders to work. Foreign medical practitioners in Indonesia are required to hold a limited-stay work permit, known as ITAS, as well as a license from Indonesian health authorities.
"However, in practice, they were working as doctors at a private hospital in Denpasar," Haryo said.
Both were flown out on Xiamen Airlines. QL departed on flights MF892 and MF8127 bound for Beijing, while LW left on flights MF892 and MF8337 bound for Wuhan.
Haryo warned that immigration authorities would take firm action against any foreign national who breaks the rules.
"Every foreign national staying in Indonesia is required to comply with prevailing immigration regulations. If violations are found, Immigration will take action in accordance with the law. This reflects our commitment to safeguarding the country's territory and providing professional service in line with the spirit of Immigration for the people," he said.
Ramdhani, head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, said authorities would tighten oversight of foreigners on the island, one of Indonesia's most popular destinations for international visitors and expatriates.
"We will continue to strengthen supervision of foreign nationals in Bali. Every immigration violation will be dealt with in accordance with applicable regulations to maintain public security and order," Ramdhani said.
The case highlights growing scrutiny of foreigners working illegally in Bali, and raises concerns about patient safety when medical services are provided by practitioners whose credentials have not been verified by Indonesian health authorities.
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