Stricter Regulations for Indonesian Migrant Workers

Independent Report – Ahmad Fauzi, a member of the Legislative Body (Baleg) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), urges the government to impose stricter regulations on companies that recruit and deploy Indonesian migrant workers (PMI). This initiative is part of the preparation for the Bill on the Third Amendment to Law Number 18 of 2017 concerning the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers.

Need for More Detailed Stricter Regulations

Fauzi highlights the need for detailed regulations governing private companies that recruit and send migrant workers. The current regulations only require them to be legal entities, which he considers too general. He believes the government should establish more specific requirements to ensure recruitment companies take full responsibility for their workers.

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As a politician from the National Awakening Party (PKB), Fauzi emphasizes that many issues faced by migrant workers result from unprofessional recruitment companies. He cites an example of a viral case involving the abuse of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Jeddah struggled to locate the victims because their recruitment agencies did not provide sufficient data. This case demonstrates the urgent need for stricter requirements to ensure better protection for migrant workers.

Fauzi also proposes that the Bill on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers include competency standards for those seeking employment abroad. He identifies three essential competencies: proficiency in the language of the destination country, job-specific skills, and knowledge of the local culture.

Competency Standards for Migrant Workers

He stresses that recruiters should not hire workers based solely on age or educational background. Migrant workers need a strong understanding of their destination country’s culture to adapt effectively. For instance, those working in Thailand or the Philippines should learn basic aspects of the respective cultures and languages to communicate and perform their jobs efficiently.

To ensure migrant workers acquire the necessary skills, Fauzi suggests that every recruitment company establish a registered and accredited training institution. These institutions should provide workers with language training, cultural education, and technical skills relevant to their jobs. With proper training, migrant workers can perform their duties competently and avoid unnecessary difficulties abroad.

Concerns Over Employer-Worker Conflicts

Additionally, Fauzi stresses the importance of government supervision and control over recruitment companies. Many firms neglect their responsibilities once workers complete their contracts, leaving them undocumented and vulnerable.

He also raises concerns about conflicts between workers and employers. In many cases, employers abandon workers after disputes, forcing them to fend for themselves in a foreign country. Fauzi insists on tightening regulations to prevent such incidents and ensure fair treatment for migrant workers.

By implementing stricter regulations and structured training systems, Indonesia can enhance the professionalism and security of its migrant workforce. These measures will protect workers’ rights and improve Indonesia’s reputation in the international labor market. The government must strengthen oversight on recruitment agencies and ensure they support workers throughout their employment and return process. These steps will guarantee better welfare and protection for all Indonesian migrant workers.

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