Illegal Indonesian migrant worker stranded in Morocco amid Israel-Iran conflict seeks to return home
BEKASI — Lely R, aged 33, a resident of Teluk Pucung Village, North Bekasi District, Bekasi City, has become the focus of attention after struggling to return home from Morocco amid a regional conflict situation affecting flight routes across the Middle East.
The woman, who departed to Morocco to work, is currently staying at the shelter of the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Morocco since Saturday, 14 February 2026.
She had sought employment through illegal channels after being lured by job advertisements on social media.
She has appealed to Bekasi City Government and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi for assistance in being repatriated to Indonesia.
“I apologise, Mr. Governor. I know I was wrong. But please help me with my return ticket. Please also help with clearance and verification because the embassy needs government support to repatriate me,” Lely told Kompas.com on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
She has also requested that the government help coordinate with the embassy so her return documentation can be processed.
“Please help coordinate with the Moroccan embassy so they can prepare my letter for departure. I need the ticket, I need the letter, and I hope this becomes a lesson for everyone. The recruitment agent should also be investigated,” said Lely.
Throughout this ordeal, Lely expressed her deep longing for her young child still in toddlerhood.
“I really want to see my child. My child is only 1.5 years old. Please see this Bekasi resident asking for help. Please help me, Mr. Governor,” she said.
According to the statement, she became stranded after departing to work through a recruitment agent suspected of operating without proper credentials.
When contacted by Kompas.com, Lely said she departed to Morocco after discovering an overseas job vacancy through a Thread account @bjulie46_id.
She was attracted to the offer due to her economic circumstances as a single mother supporting her elderly parents.
“The reason is economic hardship. I am a single mother supporting my parents. So I felt the salary in Indonesia was not sufficient,” said Lely.