Jakarta – The Indonesian government has officially lifted the two year moratorium on sending migrant workers to Malaysia.

"The moratorium is officially lifted as from today," Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar told reporters on Thursday.

Muhaimin said that after preparations Indonesia would start sending migrant workers to Malaysia between February and March next year at the soonest.

The government banned sending workers to Malaysia two years ago following violations against Indonesian maids by Malaysian employers.

Indonesian and Malaysian officials have now agreed on a resolution, including regulations allowing workers to hold their passports, a mandatory one-day off per week and matters relating to workers' salaries.

Minister Muhaimin said that the Indonesian migrant-worker recruitment and placement agencies (PPTKIS) would be in charge of all processes. He added that 117 agencies would be involved in sending workers to Malaysia.

"We have also established a task force, with members from both countries, to continuously coordinate with stakeholders and find progressive solutions for agencies, employers and the workers," said Muhaimin.