Indonesia to Lift Moratorium on Labour Migration to Saudi Arabia
Background
Indonesia had previously banned labour migration to Saudi Arabia over concerns about mistreatment. However, the moratorium faced criticism for loopholes that allowed a steady flow of undocumented workers amid high regional demand. More than 25,000 undocumented domestic workers still enter Saudi Arabia illegally each year.
New Developments
Indonesia is set to sign an agreement to lift its decade-long moratorium on sending citizens to Saudi Arabia as domestic workers and formal sector employees. The memorandum of understanding to facilitate the legal placement of migrant workers will be signed by ministers from both countries later this month in Jeddah.
Labour Protection Improvements
The new agreement will include stronger labour protections, such as a minimum monthly wage of around 1,500 riyals (US$399) or 6.5 million rupiah – higher than Jakarta’s minimum wage. The agreement will also enhance workers’ rights, tighten oversight of employers and recruitment agencies.
Job Openings and Remittances
The Saudi government is offering as many as 600,000 job openings, including about 400,000 for domestic workers and 200,000 for formal sector jobs. The programme is projected to generate about 31 trillion rupiah (US$1.89 billion) annually in remittances.
Migrant Worker Agency
Indonesia’s migrant worker agency received about 186 complaints from workers in Saudi Arabia over the past year, making it one of the top five destinations with the highest number of grievances. Working abroad is an economic lifeline for Indonesians grappling with poverty and unemployment at home.
Conclusion
The agreement marks a significant step forward in improving the treatment of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. The new protections and regulations will provide a safer and more secure environment for workers, while also generating significant remittances for the Indonesian economy.
FAQs
Q: What is the minimum monthly wage for Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia?
A: The new agreement will offer a minimum monthly wage of around 1,500 riyals (US$399) or 6.5 million rupiah – higher than Jakarta’s minimum wage.
Q: How many job openings are available for Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia?
A: The Saudi government is offering as many as 600,000 job openings, including about 400,000 for domestic workers and 200,000 for formal sector jobs.
Q: What is the projected annual remittance income from the programme?
A: The programme is projected to generate about 31 trillion rupiah (US$1.89 billion) annually in remittances.
Q: What is the expected timeline for the programme to resume?
A: If the agreement is signed quickly, the country could resume sending hundreds of thousands of workers to Saudi Arabia in June.