Migrant Workers Should Depart Procedurally to Avoid Trafficking: VP Amin

TheIndonesia.id - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged Indonesian migrant workers to use procedural ways while leaving for abroad to reduce the risks of trafficking in persons (TIP) or other risks that could endanger their lives.

"Spread (the information) to friends, family, and neighbors regarding the risks of illegal workers and human trafficking, such as violence, unpaid salaries, exploitation of working hours, and trade between employers," Amin remarked, on Monday, as quoted by Antara.

The vice president made the statement at the commemoration event of the 2023 International Migrants Day at the Gelora Bung Karno Tennis Indoor Stadium, Jakarta.

Amin reminded migrant workers that those without official documents cannot receive protection from the government or employers and are vulnerable to fraud and exploitation by employment agencies.

On that occasion, he noted that from 2007 to December 2023, the number of Indonesian migrant workers had reached around 4.8 million people.

These workers not only contribute to the decline in the unemployment rate and improvement in the economy of their home regions but also to the state income, he said.

In 2022, the remittance reached Rp139 trillion (around US$8.96 billion), or the second-biggest contributor to state income after the oil and gas sector.

In addition, he underscored that migrant workers are the country's representatives who also promote positive aspects about Indonesia, such as the traditions, cultures, cuisines, and tourism.

The vice president emphasized that the central and regional governments have an obligation to prepare prospective migrant workers, who are competent in both technical and language skills, so that they can seize job opportunities abroad.

Preparing these competencies is deemed important to create empowered migrant workers as well as freeing them from illegal work placement syndicates and human trafficking, so they can live a more prosperous life.

"I think this is very relevant to the theme raised by Indonesia in commemorating the 2023 International Migrants Day, namely free, empowered, and prosperous," he said.

He noted that as a form of commitment, the government has provided convenience and facilities to provide comprehensive protection for migrant workers, both before, during, and after work.

Some forms of support from the government include fast-track immigration services at eight international airports in Indonesia and financing of the placement process through a subsidized credit program and unsecured loans for migrant workers.

He called on all relevant institutions and stakeholders to collaborate to create Indonesian migrant workers who are of quality and are skilled, especially internationally certified.

Amin also called on the manpower minister and Indonesian Migrant Workers' Protection Agency (BP2MI) head to strengthen vocational training programs to improve the quality and competence of Indonesian migrant workers.

He encouraged better dissemination of information regarding programs and regulations on migrant workers as well as innovation and breakthroughs in governance, supervision, and protection for Indonesian migrant workers.

The vice president also urged Indonesian migrant workers and Indonesian citizens abroad to comply with the rules of the country where they live to protect Indonesia's image.