JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – A total of 211 Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who had violated immigration documents in Saudi Arabia were repatriated to Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, early on Sunday, January 12, 2025. This repatriation was a result of cooperation between the Indonesian government and Saudi authorities to address the issue of undocumented workers.

The repatriation was marked by the presence of the Deputy Minister of P2MI, Dzulfikar Ahmad Tawalla, who emphasized that this initiative represented the state’s presence in protecting its citizens abroad. He expressed his concern about the ongoing issue, noting that some Indonesian workers continue to face challenges in obtaining proper information before leaving for employment in foreign countries.

“Unfortunately, this situation persists, and we are still witnessing incidents where citizens do not receive adequate information about the risks they face when working overseas,” said Dzulfikar.

He further revealed that many Indonesians still attempt to work in countries that are on a moratorium list for placement, such as 19 countries in the Middle East.

The Indonesian government hopes that such incidents will not continue in the future. Dzulfikar called on various irresponsible individuals to refrain from facilitating illegal recruitment processes, as this causes significant harm to the workers involved. The government also stressed the importance of following legal procedures when seeking employment abroad.

According to Yudha Nugraha, the Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 211 repatriated workers had violated immigration laws in Saudi Arabia. Most of these workers were found to be living in the country without proper documentation, including those who had overstayed their visas.

Yudha explained that many of the workers had been detained by Saudi immigration authorities at the Sumaisi detention center. The government sees this as a significant issue that needs to be addressed to prevent further violations of immigration laws and ensure the safety of Indonesian workers overseas.

He emphasized the importance of educating the public about the risks and the legal framework surrounding overseas employment. “It is crucial to follow the legal procedures in accordance with Law No. 18 of 2017. Upon arrival in the destination country, workers must comply with local immigration regulations,” he added.

The Indonesian government continues to focus on strengthening efforts to protect migrant workers and raise awareness about the importance of adhering to legal and safe recruitment practices. These efforts aim to reduce the number of undocumented workers and ensure their well-being while working abroad. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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