Indonesia explores migrant worker placement opportunities in Slovakia

The Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) is exploring opportunities to expand the placement of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to the Slovak Republic, particularly in the manufacturing, hospitality, and caregiving sectors. Deputy Minister of P2MI Christina Aryani stated that her meeting with the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Indonesia, Tomas Ferko, was a first step towards strengthening labour cooperation between the two countries amid the increasing demand for skilled workers there. “The P2MI Ministry sees Slovakia as a market that needs to be developed in line with the increasing demand for skilled workers in the country,” Christina said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday. She explained that the labour demand in the European country is currently dominated by the manufacturing sector, mainly due to the presence of several global automotive companies with production facilities there. These companies, such as Volkswagen, Kia, and Volvo, require skilled workers to support their production activities. Christina noted that Indonesia already has the ‘SMK Go Global’ programme, designed to prepare workers with the skills, certifications, and job readiness required by industries in various destination countries. “We see this programme as highly relevant to meeting the labour needs in Slovakia,” she said. Christina also offered Indonesian workers for caregiver roles to meet the labour demand in nursing homes and health services in Slovakia. “I also conveyed that Indonesia is ready to prepare competent caregivers to meet the needs of nursing homes. I also shared experiences of cooperation with Germany as an example of good practice that can be developed with Slovakia,” she said. She added that Ambassador Tomas Ferko appreciated the work ethic of Indonesian migrant workers, who are considered disciplined and able to complete their work contracts according to regulations. The Slovak government also plans to identify relevant ministries and stakeholders to discuss the possibility of further cooperation. “This potential cooperation is very promising. My hope is that our communication with the Slovak Government continues to be strengthened so that placement opportunities for Indonesian migrant workers become wider, while ensuring placements are safe, legal, and in accordance with labour market needs,” Christina said.