NasDem Legislator Considers Revocation Of Moratorium On Sending PMIs To Saudi Arabia Positive Steps

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives from the NasDem faction, Nurhadi, supports the revocation of the moratorium on sending Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) to Saudi Arabia after nearly a decade.

According to him, the revocation of this moratorium is a positive step taken by the government, as long as it is accompanied by strong protection for PMI. Because, do not let the PMI dark case in Saudi Arabia happen again.

"The revocation of this moratorium can be a positive step as long as it is followed by a strong protection policy," said Nurhadi, Wednesday, March 19.

Nurhadi emphasized that the revocation of the moratorium on sending PMIs to Saudi Arabia certainly has two sides that need to be considered in a balanced manner. On the one hand, it opens up job opportunities for people who want to earn a living abroad, especially in the domestic and service sectors.

"However, on the other hand, there are concerns about the protection of the workforce, considering that there are still cases of exploitation and violations of PMI rights in the Middle East," he said.

In principle, said Nurhadi, Commission IX of the DPR in charge of employment supports policies that favor the interests of the people, especially the opening of employment opportunities for PMI, including Saudi Arabia.

"However, the government must ensure that the protection system for migrant workers is stronger than before," he appealed.

Nurhadi assessed that there are several steps that the government needs to prepare before sending PMI back to Saudi Arabia. For example, clear bilateral agreements, strict surveillance systems, PMI training and certification, as well as certainty of legal protection and assistance.

"And finally, the empowerment of alternatives in the country," he said.

He explained that the preparation for the departure of PMI must also be prepared and closely monitored by the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Works (KP2MI), especially for ART workers.

"The government must learn from past experiences so that the bad events that have happened to PMI do not happen again," he continued.

Previously, President Prabowo had approved the revocation of the moratorium on Indonesian migrant workers to Saudi Arabia. It is planned that this month, a cooperation agreement will be signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia offers job opportunities for around 600,000 migrant workers. Of that total number, 400,000 of them are in the domestic sector. Meanwhile, another 200,000 250,000 vacancies come from the formal sector.

It is estimated that IDR 31 trillion foreign exchange will enter if it places 600,000 Indonesian migrant workers to Saudi Arabia.