The Indonesian government repatriated 154 migrant workers who were detained in various Malaysian Immigration Detention Centers ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Some of them were also confined at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
“The Indonesian citizens and migrant workers have been serving sentences in Malaysian prisons for immigration violations. After serving their sentences, they have to stay longer at the Migration Detention Depot (DTI) for the deportation process,” said the Foreign Affairs Ministry in a written statement.
The ministry explained that the overcrowded and inappropriate situation in Malaysian prisons has rendered Indonesian citizens vulnerable, especially those who are sick, the elderly, mothers, and children. “Priority is given to the elderly, mothers with babies, children, and Indonesian citizens who are sick.”X
In addition, the ministry added that the repatriation was carried out before Eid to provide an opportunity for them to gather with their families on religious holidays.
The 154 Indonesian citizens who were repatriated consisted of 55 women and 99 men. Of the total number, there are 20 mothers and children, 11 elderly people, and 11 people suffering from illness.
The migrant workers came from various provinces in Indonesia, including North Sumatra, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and West Java. Those who were sick were immediately referred to the National Police Hospital, in collaboration with the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI). Meanwhile, the healthy ones were accommodated at the Trauma Center of the Social Affairs Ministry to then be returned to their respective regions.
The government continues to call on Indonesian citizens who wish to work abroad to follow official procedures and not commit violations in the destination country.
Source: Tempo.co