How KJRI Istanbul Tackled Illegal Migrant Workers In Turkey
Written by Althaf Adio Baranata
Picture 1. Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Istanbul, a valuable opportunity for our program.
Migrant workers play a crucial role in the global economy, particularly in developing nations with elevated unemployment levels. As one of the countries boasting the largest workforce globally, Indonesia contributes significantly to the international migrant labor pool. A considerable number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) pursue employment opportunities abroad as a means to enhance their and their families’ economic well-being. However, the pursuit of a better life comes with substantial challenges, notably the issue of illegal migration (Kompasiana, 2024).
Illegal migrant workers from Indonesia refer to individuals who exit the country without official authorization or who breach the visa and work permit regulations established by their destination nations. This issue poses a serious concern that impacts not just the workers involved, but also their home countries and the nations in which they find employment. Illegal migrant workers frequently encounter precarious situations, facing significant risks of human rights violations, exploitation, and substandard working conditions.
A notable case reported in the media involved migrant workers who attempted to secure employment through illegal brokers, leading to various incidents of exploitation, including non-payment and arbitrary treatment by employers. There have even been instances where these workers were trafficked not only to Turkey but also to Syria and Poland (IDNTimes, 2022).
For illegal migrant workers encountering legal challenges or other difficulties, the Indonesian
Consulate General in Istanbul offers comprehensive consular assistance services. This support includes legal aid, provision of temporary shelter, and facilitation of repatriation processes when necessary. The Indonesian Consulate General collaborates with local attorneys to ensure that worker’s rights are upheld and that they receive access to a just legal process.
Data Collection and Monitoring
The Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul is diligently registering Indonesian migrant workers in its jurisdiction to monitor their well-being. This data is essential for identifying individuals who may be in undocumented circumstances and for devising suitable interventions. Such monitoring enables the Indonesian Consulate General to proactively address potential issues and timely provide the necessary support (Ilma, 2016, #). According to data from the consulate general in Istanbul, there are several cases that have troubled the consulate general. Among the cases reported yesterday at the consulate general office, one of the most striking is the case of a person who was arrested in Edirne and has been going back and forth across the Greek-Turkish border for two weeks, then found in a very concerning condition. Cases like this must be a monthly concern for the consulate general because it will affect Indonesia’s reputation in Turkey.
Picture 2. A guest lecture session in KJRI Istanbul discusses citizen protection in Turkey.
Support to Repatriated Migrant Workers
The Consulate General of Indonesia in Istanbul provides support for migrant workers returning to Indonesia through a comprehensive program designed for their reintegration and skills enhancement. This initiative seeks to ease their transition back into Indonesian society while improving their employment opportunities. The Consulate is committed to facilitating a smooth reintegration experience by offering essential services and relevant information (Kumparan, 2022).
Collaboration With Turkey Government
The crisis of illegal workers originating from Indonesia, is not a threat to the Turkish government, they are more concerned about immigrants from Syria, which according to them, immigrants from Syria are more of a threat, and this policy was also one of Turkey’s weaknesses during the Erdogan government.
But The Consulate General of Indonesia in Istanbul engages in partnerships with the Turkish Government that advocates for the rights of migrant workers. This collaboration enhances the support provided to undocumented migrant workers and offers a variety of essential services.
Conclusion
Dealing with illegal migrant labor under the scope of the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul is quite a process, one that has several intricacies. Along with raising awareness, collaborating with the authorities and providing consular assistance, the Indonesian Consulate General is attempting to safeguard the rights of Indonesian migrant workers and minimize the negative effects of illegal migration. While there are obstacles to be faced, the measures that have been instituted by the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul demonstrate their dedication to the protection of their migrants and the other citizens of the country in foreign countries.
References
IDNTimes. (2022, May 12). “85 WNI Kerja Ilegal Dipulangkan dari Turki, Mayoritas Pakai Visa Turis”. https://www.idntimes.com/news/world/sonya-michaella/85-wni-kerja-ilegal-dipulangkan-dari-turki-mayoritas-pakai-visa-turis
Ilma, A. (2016). UPAYA PEMERINTAH INDONESIA DALAM MELINDUNGI TKI DI MALAYSIA PADA MASA PEMERINTAHAN JOKO WIDODO. UPAYA PEMERINTAH INDONESIA DALAM MELINDUNGI TKI DI MALAYSIA PADA MASA PEMERINTAHAN JOKO WIDODO, 1(1), 6. https://etd.umy.ac.id/id/eprint/21420/9/Naskah%20Publikasi.pdf
Kompasiana. (2024, 8 28). “Tenaga Kerja Indonesia sebagai Pahlawan Devisa Negara”. https://www.kompasiana.com/marsita83346/66cf35b5ed64155531201692/tenaga-kerja-indonesia-sebagai-pahlawan-devisa-negara
Kumparan. (2022, April 18). KJRI Istanbul Tangani TKI yang Telantar Kehabisan Uang di Turki. https://kumparan.com/kumparannews/kjri-istanbul-tangani-tki-yang-telantar-kehabisan-uang-di-turki-1xuHJ3IMAxG/3
