Indonesia Demands Better Worker Protections from Saudi Arabia Before Lifting Migrant Ban
Indonesia Demands worker Protections Before Lifting Saudi Arabia Migrant Ban
Jakarta, Indonesia - Indonesia is demanding better salaries and stronger worker protections from Saudi Arabia before lifting a moratorium on Indonesian migrant workers entering the Middle Eastern contry.
The moratorium, in place since 2015, was implemented due to concerns over worker exploitation and abuse. Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding emphasized the need for meaningful changes before sending workers back to saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia has always asked for low salaries. Since 2015, they have asked for US$300, or approximately Rp5 million.But, in fact, they lack a protection system (for migrant workers),” Karding stated.
The Indonesian goverment is pushing for several key changes, including guaranteed health protection for workers during thier employment and safeguards for those who lose their jobs.Karding also stressed the need for Indonesian workers to be employed through distribution companies rather than directly with individual employers. This, he argues, would make it easier to hold companies accountable for worker welfare.
“So, we have to be sure of these two issues. Saudi Arabia,if it is willing,must cooperate and work on these two requirements,” Karding said.
Before lifting the moratorium, Karding plans to consult with migrant worker activist organizations to gather input on best practices for worker placement and to assess the potential social and economic impacts.
The decline in Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia is stark.While there were once approximately two million Indonesians working in the country, that number has plummeted to just 100,000, according to data from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal bin Abdullah Amodi, acknowledged the decline and expressed hope for increased Indonesian worker presence in the future. He attributed the drop primarily to the moratorium.
For nearly a decade, Indonesia has prohibited its citizens from working for individual employers in 19 Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, due to widespread reports of worker abuse.
Indonesian Migrant Workers: A Race for Protection Before Saudi Return
NewsDirect 3 Exclusive Interview: In a move to safeguard its citizens working abroad, Indonesia has laid down stringent conditions for lifting the moratorium on migrant workers heading to Saudi Arabia. NewsDirect 3 sat down with Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding to understand the government’s stance and the road ahead for Indonesian workers seeking opportunities in the Kingdom.
NewsDirect 3: Minister Karding, the moratorium on Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia has been in place as 2015. What are the main factors prompting the Indonesian government to reconsider this ban?
Minister Karding: Primarily, it’s about ensuring the well-being and protection of our workers. We have consistently received reports of exploitation and abuse faced by Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. The objective is not merely to send workers back but to guarantee their safety, fair treatment, and a dignified work surroundings.
NewsDirect 3: What specific changes is Indonesia demanding from Saudi Arabia before lifting the moratorium?
Minister Karding: Two key aspects are non-negotiable. First, we insist on guaranteed health protection for workers throughout their employment period. Second, we need robust safeguards in place for those who lose their jobs, ensuring they are not left stranded and vulnerable.
NewsDirect 3: How would you propose these safeguards be implemented?
Minister Karding: We advocate for a system where Indonesian workers are employed through distribution companies rather than directly with individual employers.This structure would create a layer of accountability, making it easier to enforce regulations and address worker grievances.
NewsDirect 3: Has there been any response from the Saudi Arabian government regarding these demands?
Minister Karding: We are in active dialog with Saudi Arabian authorities.They are aware of our concerns and the conditions we have set forth.
NewsDirect 3: What is the next step in this process?
Minister Karding: Before proceeding with any decision, we will consult extensively with migrant worker activist organizations.Their insights on best practices for worker placement and their assessment of potential social and economic impacts are crucial to making an informed decision.