Migrant Worker Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding made the announcement during a press conference at the Presidential Palace here on Friday.
Karding stated that Indonesia had suspended the placement of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia since 2015. However, the cooperation is now being resumed following assurances from the Saudi government regarding better worker protections.
"For years, we have known that protection for Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia was minimal. That is why we imposed the moratorium -- because worker protections were very limited," Karding said.
"Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, protections have significantly improved," he added.
He explained that, following negotiations with the Saudi government, migrant workers will now receive a guaranteed minimum salary of 1,500 Saudi Riyals, approximately Rp7.5 million.
Additionally, workers will be provided with enhanced protections related to health, life insurance, and employment. The integration of data systems will also help monitor workers recruited through unofficial channels.
"Those who traveled through non-procedural channels will automatically have their data recorded, allowing us to monitor them together. We are integrating their data with our system, so, God willing, conditions will improve significantly in the future," Karding said.
He also mentioned that every Indonesian worker who completes a two-year contract will receive a bonus from the Saudi government to perform Umrah.
If the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed as scheduled in March 2025, the placement of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia is expected to resume by June at the latest, he added.
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Translator: Mentari, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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