Illegal migrant workers' ordeal

Illegal migrant workers' ordeal

From Media Indonesia

Reports on the imminent large-scale deportation of Indonesian migrant workers from Saudi Arabia should arouse our concern because this has happened several times before and the government has yet to find a solution to this problem.

Apart from the number of workers involved any deportations are potential human rights infringements. In order to avoid similar cases of illegal Indonesian workers migrating abroad, practical measures should be taken by the relevant state agencies.

In this case, coordination should be arranged -- between the immigration office, the police, the ministries of foreign affairs and communications -- and proper rules, such as a legal umbrella covering migrants, should be introduced.

Meanwhile, information should be provided for would-be workers about the importance of legal documents for overseas employment, by approaching the media, community figures and social organizations.

These cases of illegal migrant workers harm the interests of not only the individuals concerned but also the nation -- our good name is being tarnished. The government remains obliged to protect its citizens by ensuring its officials act in a disciplined way and punish any party enabling unlawful migration.

AHMAD JUWAINI Jakarta