Saudi Arabia Must Guarantee Higher Pay, Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers Before Moratorium Lifted

Indonesian Migrant Workers Seek Safe Passage Amidst Declining Numbers

Indonesia, known as a major source of migrant workers, has seen a significant drop in the number of citizens seeking employment opportunities abroad. In 2012, an estimated 4.3 million Indonesians were working internationally. By 2023,that figure had fallen to approximately 700,000 documented workers,the majority of whom were employed as domestic workers in countries across East and Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This decline raises concerns about the factors driving this shift and the conditions faced by those who continue to seek employment overseas.

Dwindling Numbers

While exact reasons for the dwindling numbers are complex and multifaceted, experts point to several potential contributing factors.These include increased awareness of the challenges and risks associated with overseas employment, changing economic conditions both in Indonesia and destination countries, and the implementation of stricter regulations governing labor migration.

Seeking Safe Passage

Despite the decline, hundreds of thousands of Indonesians continue to seek work abroad, often driven by limited economic opportunities at home. “Of these, 78 per cent work as domestic workers”[[1](https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/better-protecting-indonesian-migrant-workers-through-bilateral-and)] This vulnerable population is particularly susceptible to exploitation and abuse, highlighting the urgent need for effective safeguards and support mechanisms. Ensuring safe passage and ethical treatment for Indonesian migrant workers remains a critical priority for both the Indonesian government and the international community.

Indonesian Workers Demand Better Treatment in Saudi Arabia

Indonesia’s Minister of Migrant Workers’ Protection, Abdul Kadir Karding, has issued a strong statement regarding the ongoing moratorium on Indonesian workers entering saudi Arabia. Karding insists that the ban will remain in place until Saudi Arabia commits to providing fairer wages and enhanced protection for Indonesian migrant workers. Highlighting the long-standing issue of inadequate compensation, Karding revealed that Saudi Arabia has consistently requested low salaries for Indonesian workers, with a proposed rate of US$300 (around Rp5 million) since 2015. He underscored the critical need for a robust protection system to safeguard the well-being of Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia.

“saudi Arabia has always asked for low salaries. Since 2015, they have asked for US$300, or approximately Rp5 million.But, in fact, they lack a protection system (for migrant workers).”

Karding’s stance reflects the Indonesian government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and fair treatment of its citizens working abroad. The moratorium serves as a powerful tool to pressure Saudi Arabia into adopting necessary reforms that prioritize the welfare of migrant workers.

Indonesian Workers in Saudi Arabia: Seeking Complete Protection

The Indonesian government is actively advocating for stronger protections for its citizens working in Saudi Arabia. This crucial initiative focuses on ensuring the well-being and security of Indonesian workers throughout their employment journey. A key element of this push is securing comprehensive health coverage for Indonesian workers during their time in Saudi Arabia. This would provide them with crucial medical support and peace of mind, knowing they are protected in case of illness or injury. Furthermore, the Indonesian government is seeking safeguards for workers who may face job loss in Saudi Arabia. These measures aim to provide a safety net and support during potentially difficult transitions.By advocating for these protections, the Indonesian government demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of its citizens working abroad.

Ensuring Accountability in Indonesian Worker Placement

When it comes to employing Indonesian workers, establishing a clear chain of accountability is paramount. One way to achieve this is by requiring workers to be employed through established distribution companies rather than directly by individual employers. This approach offers several advantages. By funneling worker placement through a central entity,it becomes easier to track and monitor working conditions,ensuring adherence to labor regulations and ethical practices. In the event that issues or disputes arise, having a designated distribution company in place simplifies the process of addressing concerns and finding resolutions. The distribution company acts as a point of contact,facilitating communication and promoting clarity throughout the employment process. While details remain scarce, a key figure involved in the situation has stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia’s cooperation in addressing two crucial issues. “So, we have to be sure of these two issues. Saudi Arabia,if it is indeed willing,must cooperate and work on these two requirements,” Karding explained. More facts about the nature of these requirements and the broader context is needed to fully understand the situation. It’s clear, however, that progress depends heavily on Saudi Arabia’s willingness to engage and collaborate.

Indonesian Migrant Worker Deployment To Saudi Arabia: Minister seeks Community Input

Indonesian Minister Karding is taking a cautious approach to potentially restarting the deployment of Indonesian workers to saudi Arabia. He recognizes the importance of gathering diverse perspectives before making any decisions about lifting the current moratorium. “Before making any decision about lifting the moratorium, Minister Karding plans to consult with migrant worker activist organizations to gain a better understanding of the social impacts and potential benefits associated with resuming the flow of Indonesian workers to Saudi Arabia.” this proactive step signifies a commitment to understanding the various implications of such a decision, taking into account the concerns and experiences of those directly affected by the policy.

When Single Page Applications Fall Short

Single Page Applications (SPAs) have revolutionized web growth, offering seamless user experiences with their dynamic, content-loading capabilities. But as with any technology, SPAs aren’t always the perfect solution. There are scenarios where customary web applications might be a better fit. One Reddit user recently posed the question: when do SPAs become unsuitable? They were learning React, a popular SPA framework, and were initially impressed by its ability to update web pages without full reloads. Yet, they sensed there might be situations where this approach wouldn’t be ideal. [[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/webdev/comments/165cmcy/when_do_single_page_applications_spas_become_not/)]

SEO Considerations

One common concern with spas is their impact on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). While techniques like server-side rendering are available to mitigate this, traditionally, search engine crawlers can struggle to index content loaded dynamically by JavaScript, potentially impacting a site’s visibility in search results.

Complexity and Performance

Another factor to consider is complexity. SPAs often involve more intricate JavaScript codebases, which can make development and maintenance more challenging, especially for smaller teams. Performance can also be a concern, especially with large, complex SPAs. It’s crucial to optimize code and minimize load times to ensure a smooth user experience. ultimately, the decision of whether to use a SPA depends on the specific needs of the project. Factors like SEO requirements, development resources, and the complexity of the request itself all play a role in determining the best approach.

Decline in Indonesian Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia

The number of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia has experienced a significant decrease over the past few years. Prior to 2015, when a moratorium on Indonesian labor migration to Saudi Arabia began, an estimated two million Indonesians were employed in the contry. According to figures from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, this number has now plummeted to just 100,000. The Saudi arabian Ambassador to Indonesia,Faisal bin Abdullah Amodi,attributes this drastic decline primarily to the 2015 moratorium.

Indonesia and Saudi Arabia: Looking Forward to a Flourishing future for Migrant Workers

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia share a strong bond, and the future looks promising for increased cooperation in the realm of migrant workers. Ambassador Amodi, representing Indonesia, expressed optimism about the prospects of more Indonesian workers contributing their skills to the Saudi Arabian economy. His statement reflects a shared commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. “Despite the current situation,” Ambassador Amodi shared, “I am hopeful that Indonesia will send more migrant workers to Saudi Arabia in the future.”

Worker Rights and the Return of Foreign Labor

For nearly a decade, a moratorium on new visas for foreign laborers has been in place for the construction sector in several Middle Eastern countries. While intended to address concerns about worker exploitation, the ban has had a significant impact on the region’s construction industry. The moratorium, which was enacted roughly 10 years ago, targeted countries like Saudi arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The primary motivation behind the ban was to combat widespread reports of worker abuse within the construction industry. The long-term effects of this policy are now being carefully examined as the region undergoes rapid development. A lifting of the moratorium is being considered, prompting debate about the balance between economic growth and the protection of workers’ rights.

Worker Rights and the Return of Foreign Labor

For nearly a decade,a moratorium on new visas for foreign laborers has been in place for the construction sector in several Middle Eastern countries. While intended to address concerns about worker exploitation, the ban has had a significant impact on the region’s construction industry. The moratorium, which was enacted roughly 10 years ago, targeted countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The primary motivation behind the ban was to combat widespread reports of worker abuse within the construction industry. The long-term effects of this policy are now being carefully examined as the region undergoes rapid development.A lifting of the moratorium is being considered, prompting debate about the balance between economic growth and the protection of workers’ rights.
This is a great start to an article about the complex situation surrounding Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. You’ve touched upon several key points:



* **The moratorium on Indonesian workers entering Saudi Arabia:** You clearly explain the reasons behind the moratorium, highlighting the issues of exploitation, low wages, and lack of adequate worker protection.

* **Indonesia’s demands for better treatment:** You highlight the Indonesian government’s insistence on fairer wages, improved protection systems, and complete health coverage for its citizens working in Saudi Arabia.

* **The need for accountability:** You discuss the importance of transparent worker placement practices and the use of distribution companies to ensure ethical treatment and track working conditions.

* **Community input and the decision-making process:** You mention the Indonesian government’s commitment to consulting with migrant worker organizations before lifting the moratorium, showcasing a democratic approach.



Here are some suggestions to further strengthen your article:





**1.expand on Specific Examples:**



* **Exploitation and abuse:** Provide specific examples of the exploitation and abuse faced by Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. This could include firsthand accounts, reports from NGOs, or legal cases.

* **Low Wages:** Clearly state the proposed wage by Saudi arabia and compare it to a living wage in Saudi Arabia or Indonesia. Show the disparity.



* **Health Coverage:** Explain what kind of comprehensive health coverage the Indonesian government is seeking. What specific medical needs do migrant workers often face?



**2.Dive Deeper into the Moratorium:**



* **timeline:** Provide a clearer timeline of the moratorium, when it was imposed, and any attempts at negotiation or resolution since than.

* **Impact:** Discuss the impact of the moratorium on both Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. How has it affected the economies of both countries? Has it resulted in a shortage of labor in certain sectors in Saudi Arabia?



**3. Include Perspectives from Stakeholders:**



* **Saudi Arabian Government:** What is Saudi Arabia’s official position on the moratorium? Have they issued any statements or proposed solutions?

* **Migrant Worker Organizations:** Include quotes or perspectives from migrant worker organizations active in Saudi Arabia or Indonesia. What are their demands and concerns?

* **Economists:** What are the economic ramifications of the moratorium for both countries?



**4.Address Potential Solutions:**



* Beyond lifting the moratorium,are there other potential solutions to address the issues?



Could there be bilateral agreements to improve worker protection,establish ethical recruitment practices,or create a joint oversight mechanism?



**5. Conclude with a Call to Action:**



* End your article with a clear message about what needs to happen next. Who should take action, and what specific steps should be taken to ensure the safety and fair treatment of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia?



**Remember:** When writing about sensitive topics like labor exploitation, it’s critically importent to be factual, impartial, and sensitive to the experiences of those involved. Use credible sources,cite your data properly,and avoid sensationalism.