Many Migrant Workers Worked Illegally in 2023: Here's How They Were Facilitated

A report titled *Data Story Statistics for Indonesia - Indonesian Migrant Workers* from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reveals how Indonesian migrant workers (IMWs) obtain their jobs, based on a 2023 survey.

The BPS classifies these methods into two categories: documented and undocumented.

Documented methods are predominantly through private agents (37.6%), followed by government agents (21.4%); family, relatives, or friends (20.9%); individual employers or recruiters (17.2%); and others (2.9%).

"Although almost 38% of documented IMWs use personal recruitment methods, more than 59% of documented IMWs have utilized the services of government or private agents domestically," the BPS wrote in the report published on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Undocumented or illegal methods are also prevalent, with the highest proportion stemming from family or relatives (57.4%). This is followed by individual employers or recruiters (26.8%); private agents (9.8%); government agents (3.5%); and others (2.5%).

Further details show that most IMWs entering destination countries undocumentedly obtain their jobs through personal networks, such as family/relatives (35.30%) and friends (22.10%).

The BPS explains that most migration initially occurs through official channels facilitated by the government or employment agencies. However, the increasing demand for cheap labor in the informal sectors of destination countries leads many workers to choose unofficial channels, perceived as faster and cheaper.

"This ease of process and cost carries greater risks," the BPS stated.

The BPS continues, explaining that these illegal routes often involve human trafficking syndicates that exploit weak oversight at certain border points, such as the waters around Kalimantan and Sumatra.

"Besides Malaysia, there are a significant number of undocumented IMWs in other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore," the BPS stated.

(See also: Indonesian Migrant Workers in 2023 Mostly from High School Graduates)