'Be Ambassadors for Procedural Placement', Indonesian Migrant Workers Told

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah called on Indonesian migrant workers who returned home to become ambassadors that encourage prospective migrant workers to comply with the placement procedure and mechanism.

"They can tell their relatives or neighbors that if they want to work abroad, then they have to work based on the procedure," she said in a statement on Sunday, Feb. 26.

"Do not be swayed by irresponsible sponsors," Ida said.

Through this proper mechanism and procedure, the government can protect Indonesian migrant workers, starting before, during, and when they end their working period in the placement country.

By following the proper procedure, they can receive a work contract that stipulates who they work for, how much they are paid, what rights they have, and what obligations they have, she said.

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"This is all stipulated. If they have that, then the country provides its obligation and its protection," she said while meeting with Indonesian migrant workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday.

On the sidelines of the work visit to Saudi Arabia, the minister also took time out to meet with several Indonesian migrant workers facing trouble.

During that meeting, Ida also emphasized the importance of becoming a migrant worker through proper procedures and mechanisms.

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"If you want to work again, use proper procedure and mechanism, so that you do not have to work in secret and can become an ambassador for procedural placement," she said.

The ministry, Ida added, is strengthening several strategies to develop manpower links and match as well as expansion of the overseas work market in confronting future challenges.

Source: State News Antara