New 24-hour immigration service allows urgent passport processing directly from hospitals
Batam Immigration has launched IMMICare, a breakthrough service enabling patients referred abroad for medical treatment to process passports directly at hospitals, eliminating the need to visit immigration offices during emergencies.
Passport Services at Hospitals
IMMICare was officially introduced on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, through a partnership between Batam Immigration and four hospitals: RS Awal Bros, RSBP Batam, RS Santa Elisabeth, and RSUD Embung Fatimah. The program is designed to ease the process for patients in urgent medical situations who require treatment abroad.
24-Hour On-Call Immigration Officers
According to Batam Immigration Head Hajar Aswad, IMMICare operates on a “jemput bola” system, with officers available 24 hours a day to handle passport applications directly at hospitals. This ensures patients and families no longer need to make stressful trips to immigration offices during critical health emergencies.
Inspiration From Real Cases
The initiative was sparked by a case where a family struggled to obtain a fast-tracked passport for a child who needed immediate treatment overseas. “The state must be present and make access easier, especially in emergencies,” Hajar emphasized. IMMICare now serves as a practical solution to prevent similar hardships.
Streamlined Documentation Process
Beyond passport issuance, IMMICare also helps coordinate with the Batam Health Office and quarantine authorities to prepare travel documents more efficiently. This integrated approach reduces delays, ensuring patients can be transported abroad for urgent care without bureaucratic obstacles.
Strong Support From Hospitals
Hospitals welcomed the move as a timely innovation. RSBP Batam Director Tanto Budiharto praised the initiative as “the first service in Batam that directly addresses patient needs.” He added that while strengthening domestic healthcare remains essential, swift access to passports is critical when patients must be referred abroad.
Ombudsman Praises Public Service Innovation
The Ombudsman of the Riau Islands, represented by Lagat Siadari, described IMMICare as a concrete example of state presence in public services. “It is not only easy but also fast and measurable,” he said, urging other government institutions to adopt similarly responsive initiatives.
IMMICare marks a significant step in redefining public services in Batam, ensuring that patients in medical emergencies can secure passports without additional stress. For communities in Indonesia and neighboring Singapore, the program sets a new standard for healthcare-linked mobility and highlights the importance of government innovation in times of urgency.
Sources: Gokepri (2025) , Batamnews (2025)
Keywords: IMMICare, Batam Immigration, Medical Passport, Emergency Service, Hajar Aswad, Hospital Partnership
