Manpower Ministry Ida Fauziyah stated that Law No. 18/ 2017 on protection for migrant workers stipulates the government’s thorough protection and guarantee of every right of Indonesian migrant workers from beginning to the end of their work period.

“Protection mandated by the law has highlighted the government’s role, and reduced the role of private sector in the placement and protection of migrant workers,” she said at an event held for commemorating the International Migrant Day 2022 in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday.

She also commended the migrant workers for their contributions to foreign exchange earnings that are positive for national development.

They also contribute to the economy of countries where they are employed. Therefore, the government must continue to improve the management of placement and protection of migrant workers, so that they can truly be protected before, during, and after working, and prevented from having problems.

The protection aims to ensure the fulfillment of human rights; protect legal, economic, and social aspects of the migrant workers and their whole families.

She noted that the law itself has clearly mandated the government to protect the migrant workers, starting from the village scope.

“Children of the migrant workers and retired migrant workers have the same rights, especially in obtaining proper education. It is fitting for families in the country and the surrounding community to help and guide them to pursue their goals,” she remarked.

Because in reality, those recruited to become migrant workers are people from village, so the village heads must know about their residents who go to work abroad and ensure that they depart in accordance with the procedures.

This is one of the things which makes Law No. 18/2017 different from the existing regulations.

She urged village administrations to be aware of incidents which currently befell migrant workers. Village is at the forefront in protecting migrant workers against irresponsible people who tempt people with cash and other things, Fauziyah warned.

“I expect there are no cases of village officials messing with migrant workers or even becoming brokers. The village, as the foremost for protection before and after work, must be responsive in dealing with migrant workers’ problems,” she said.

Source: Antara News