Bekasi Resident Stranded in Morocco; Family: Lely Holds Master's Degree and Was Former Translator
BEKASI — The family of Lely R (33), a resident of Teluk Pucung Ward, North Bekasi District, Bekasi City, has revealed details about Lely’s background following her viral plea on social media asking the Bekasi City Government for assistance in returning home from Morocco.
Lely’s older brother, AN (38), stated that his sister actually possessed a strong educational background and had previously worked as an English language translator before deciding to accept a job offer overseas.
“She holds a master’s degree in English literature. She also received translation jobs from abroad. She frequently took on private tutoring work or helped teach English to foreigners and primary school children. She also worked as a shadow teacher,” AN told journalists when met at his residence on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
“Around December, she mentioned receiving a job offer in Morocco. She only said it was safe because there was an agency involved. Eventually, the family reluctantly allowed her to go. It turned out there was an incident like this,” AN said.
According to AN, the family had received word that Lely worked for several weeks in Morocco. However, his sister never reported experiencing physical violence.
“She didn’t tell us about any physical abuse or anything, she just mentioned verbal conflict. Being scolded, sworn at, pointed at, that sort of thing,” he stated.
The family had also attempted to help bring Lely home by purchasing a plane ticket. However, this plan failed due to the security situation in the Middle East region.
“We ordered her a ticket on 5 March. But it turned out because the situation there wasn’t safe, we ended up getting a refund,” AN said.
According to AN, the family was advised that Lely’s return could not be arranged simply despite having a plane ticket, as it must go through various procedures with local authorities in Morocco.
“Earlier, the Labour Ministry official told us that even if we could provide a ticket, it wouldn’t be that easy for Lely to come home. This is because the bureaucracy involves all sorts of matters related to Moroccan authorities,” he stated.
He noted that the family was asked to be patient as security conditions in the region remained unstable. Additionally, Lely was said not to fall under the category of migrant workers who could be directly facilitated for repatriation by the government because she had departed illegally.
“They said to just wait for now because the conditions aren’t conducive. Lely was also told she doesn’t qualify for repatriation assistance because it was illegal, so the government can’t help,” AN said.
Nonetheless, the family hopes the government can facilitate and simplify the administrative process for Lely’s return.