UK Opens Doors for Indonesian Care Workers Amid Stronger Protection

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia and the United Kingdom (UK) are exploring wider opportunities for the placement and protection of Indonesian migrant workers, with a special focus on skilled labor and care workers.

Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, Christina Aryani, discussed the issue with British Ambassador Dominic Jermey during a meeting at the British Embassy in Jakarta on Monday, 29 July.

“Skilled jobs in the UK remain one of the most attractive options for Indonesian workers,” Christina said in a statement released by the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) on Tuesday, July 30.

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According to Christina, the meeting aimed to understand the British government’s current perceptions and policies are regarding migrant workers.

“Given that migration is often a sensitive political issue in many countries,” she added.

She noted that the meeting was an initial step to identify which sectors were open and most likely to be explored by the British and Indonesian governments.

Protection of migrant workers

Hence, the meeting covered topics such as job opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers in the UK and the current perception of the British government toward migrant workers.

British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Dominic Jermey, also emphasized several key points regarding the protection of migrant workers, particularly the importance of strict oversight of the recruitment and placement process.

This protection is to prevent fraud or higher recruitment fees that could potentially lead the workers into forced labor or exploitation.

“The ambassador reminded us that protecting our workers in the UK must be a priority,” Christina said.

She emphasized that unfair recruitment fees should not be allowed to burden workers to the point where they fall into debt bondage

"This could lead to modern slavery,” she added.

Care worker opportunities in the UK

The discussion also highlighted the need for care workers in the UK, including not only nurses but also professionals such as physiotherapists.

Christina revealed that the British government is open to working with Indonesia to strengthen the capacity of Indonesian care workers through education and training programs.

“In September, (Indonesian) President will visit England to hold several meetings,” she informed.

Christina added that there were plans for leading British universities under the Russell Group to expand to Indonesia and offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as training programs for healthcare professionals.

UK has a group of prestigious universities known as the Russell Group. The Russell Group consists of 24 leading higher education institutions, all of which are ranked among the world’s top 200 universities. Four of these universities secured spots in the world’s top 10 universites.