Ministry of Migrant Workers' Protection urges public to be wary of overseas employment fraud
Jakarta — The Director-General of Protection at Indonesia’s Ministry of Migrant Workers’ Protection (P2MI), Rinardi, has called on citizens to exercise greater caution against various fraudulent schemes used in recruiting workers for overseas employment.
“We urge prospective Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to ensure that the entire placement process is conducted in accordance with proper procedures,” Rinardi stated in a statement released in Jakarta on Monday.
He explained that citizens can verify job orders and the legality of employment placements through the official website siskop2mi.bp2mi.go.id.
Rinardi noted that the Government continues to enforce a moratorium on sending domestic sector migrant workers to several Middle Eastern countries, including Libya, citing serious legal problems and difficulties in repatriating domestic sector PMI from that nation.
According to official reports from the Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli, there has been an increase in non-procedural departures of Indonesian migrant workers to the country. Initially, they are promised work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Turkey. However, upon arrival in transit countries such as Dubai or Istanbul, they are instead sent to Tripoli or Benghazi.
“These workers are generally promised employment in the United Arab Emirates or Turkey. However, in practice, they are flown to Libya without clear understanding of the working conditions they will face,” he said.
Upon arrival in Libya, they encounter various problems with employers, including treatment that does not conform to their employment agreements. This situation has prompted several migrant workers to seek protection from the Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli.
In addition to employment issues, they also experience difficulties returning to Indonesia.
“The repatriation process is not easy because various administrative requirements must be met, such as a passport, residence permit, and exit permission from the country. Additionally, there is a foreign resident tax fine of approximately 75 Libyan dinars per month and an exit permit fee of approximately 555 dinars,” he explained.
“If all of these cost components are calculated, the total cost required for repatriation can exceed 100 million rupiahs per person, including fines, compensation, and airfare. The repatriation process can even take several months,” he added.
Furthermore, Rinardi also cautioned Indonesian nationals transiting through Dubai or Istanbul who are asked to continue flights to Libya to refuse immediately.
“If facing such a situation, we urge them to immediately request assistance from airport officials to contact the Indonesian Consulate in Dubai or Istanbul in order to receive protection,” Rinardi said.