We are concerned that the destination country will seek manpower from other countries, and this is not what we want.
Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Migrant Workers Employers Association (APPMI) has sought approval of the Manpower Ministry (Kemenaker) to send Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to Malaysia.

Head of APPMI Muazzim Akbar stated here on Saturday that the majority, or 90 percent, of the PMI from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) had been sent to Malaysia.

NTB's economy has been affected and unemployment has increased since the province is no longer able to send migrant workers to Malaysia, according to Akbar.

"The reason that we are requesting this is because these PMI have a large contribution to the region through remittance and not to mention the contribution to reducing unemployment," Akbar stated.

Akbar’s organization has sent mails to Kemenaker over this problem since around four thousand Indonesian migrant workers from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, have received their visa to work in Malaysia.


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However, Akbar pointed out that they were not allowed to depart in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.

"We are concerned that the destination country will seek manpower from other countries, and this is not what we want. This is because once that occurs, the demand for our PMI will automatically decrease because it has been taken by other countries that could prove disadvantageous for the people and the region," Akbar explained.

Meanwhile, APPMI Secretary Tamam admitted that the four thousand PMI that are ready to leave will be placed in palm oil plantations.


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He asserted that this request is not for APPMI's sake but for the people keen to work abroad, especially in Malaysia, in order to provide for their families.

"If COVID-19 is the problem, then the destination country has prepared strict COVID-19 health protocols," Tamam stated.

He also remarked that the PMI also cleared a series of tests, including complying with the health protocols.


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Translator: Nur Imansyah, Fadhli R
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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