Joniansyah, Jakarta – The Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) and Soekarno-Hatta Airport Immigration Office prevented the departure of 10 illegal migrant workers to Saudi Arabia.
Women from several regions in West Java was about to depart for Saudi Arabia using their umrah visa. "The method was to use umrah visa," said BP2MI Secretary Rinardi on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
According to Rinaldi, the 10 women were originated from Bandung, Karawang, Sukabumi, Garut, and Purwakarta. The women were about to travel to the Middle East from Soekarno-Hatta airport on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
"The departure of these non-procedural migrant workers were thwarted based on suspicions of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport immigration officer and it was the result of the collaboration of all parties," Rinaldi said.
Rinaldi asserted that these housewives were lured by illegal migrant workers agency promising large wages. 'They were promised to get Rp4 to 5 million monthly salary," Rinaldi explained.
Moreover, these illegal migrant workers agency often promised convenience for everyone wanting to work overseas by providing free passport and visa fees. Furthermore, families of the victims often provided with parting fees, which makes the offer even more lucrative.
Rinaldi also appreciated the work of the immigration officers at the Soekarno-Hatta airport who have conducted meticulous examination and asking detailed questions to passengers. "This is an initial filter to prevent illegal migrant workers from departing," he said.
Rinaldi added that the case is currently being investigated by the police, including attempting to find the people responsible for arranging the departure of illegal migrant workers. He said that currently, members of the illegal agencies are being careful because they know that they are being intensely monitored.
Head of Immigration of the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Tito Andrianto, said that for the January to May 2023 period, the Soekarno-Hatta immigration office has prevented the departure of 1,622 illegal migrant workers.