Police asked to probe 23 labor exporters

Police asked to probe 23 labor exporters

JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Manpower has requested that the National Police investigate 23 manpower supplier companies over alleged irregularities in the way they send workers overseas.

Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said he made the request following strong indication of irregularities. "If these allegations are confirmed, they will be prosecuted," Latief said at his office yesterday.

He made the remark while granting new operating licenses to a number manpower supply companies. They have complied with the stricter terms the government introduced last year to bring the lucrative, yet chaotic, business into line.

Latief declined to name the 23 companies that are now under police investigation, but gave a run down of some of their alleged sins: falsifying documents, extorting workers and operating without proper license.

"Many of these companies falsified the identity and personal details including the skills of the workers in order to bolster the price. They will do anything to get as much profit as possible."

Latief said he was dismayed that many manpower supplier companies continue to export workers even though they no longer have the necessary operating license.

He said an operation conducted by his office, the immigration office and the police last month discovered at least 11 unlicensed companies which continued to send workers to Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Singapore without a license.

At the ceremony yesterday, Latief granted operating licenses to 23 other manpower supplier companies, bringing the total issued since December to 52.

Some 300 manpower supplier companies were ordered to re- register last year after the Ministry of Manpower issued stricter regulations, including higher paid up capital, and compelled companies to set up training centers.

Latief said the ministry turned down applications from 20 companies which did not meet the terms set by the government. "We've told them that they should try another business."

Latief said companies that have already obtained their operating licenses would be closely monitored to ensure they complied with the regulations.

"You are not exporting a commodity. You're sending people, human resources. They should be treated humanely. You have a responsibility to ensure that they are well protected," he told the executives of the newly licensed companies. (rms)