"For the moratorium (on sending Indonesian workers) to Saudi Arabia, we are still reviewing and evaluating it," Migrant Workers Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding stated here on Saturday.
According to the minister, the government is considering reopening the opportunity of sending Indonesians to serve as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia as a step needed to anticipate labor smuggling.
"It must be reopened because if it is not opened, they will still leave (as non-procedural workers). Hence, we consider reopening it, but with stricter rules," he remarked.
Thus, the ministry is currently reviewing and finalizing regulations regarding the mechanism of the employment system for Indonesian migrant workers.
In addition, this policy marks the placement of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia with clear procedures and provisions, including the minimum wage workers must receive.
"Including the salary or wages of 1,500 riyals, or around Rp7.5 million (minimum), if converted into rupiah," he explained.
Karding further highlighted that the government is considering lifting the moratorium on sending migrant workers as many Indonesians are interested in working in the country.
According to the minister, their commitment extends beyond earning wages and job duties, encompassing spiritual fulfillment.
"(It is) because many Muslims think that to be able to pray in Medina or Mecca is (an) extraordinary (experience). That is the main aspiration of Indonesians to go to Saudi Arabia," Karding added.
In 2015, Indonesia made it illegal for migrant workers to be sent to any of 19 Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, to work for individual employers, citing abuses that workers had encountered there.
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Translator: Azmi Syamsul Ma'arif, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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