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