Plan Australia
Project: Protection of Women Migrant Workers Program in Indonesia
Aim:
The aim of this project is to increase prospective women migrant workers' understanding on the risks, rights and policies associated with working as a migrant worker.
Region:
Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) - Eastern Indonesia, Sumbawa, Dompu, East Lombok
Project Duration:
December 2004 to June 2009 (this program has been extended)
Total Public Funds Required:
Project Overview
Plan works with community groups to equip prospective migrant workers and their families with knowledge and information about the legal process of becoming a migrant worker, the consequences of becoming a migrant worker (including the impact on family), and the risks associated with illegal migrant work.
Plan also works with local governments, local media and law enforcers to assist with the tightening of regulations which aim to protect migrant workers and their families. The combined impact of this project is to ensure that women and their families are able to make informed decisions, follow legal channels when becoming a migrant worker and receive protection from exploitation, which ultimately benefits the environment under which their children are able to grow and develop.
Why?
- The Location - the increasing tempo of labour migration is particularly apparent in provinces of Eastern Indonesia, where poverty, high unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities are most acute.
- Why Women? The majority of migrant workers are women (70% of the estimated 4 million Indonesians working abroad are women), many of whom are drawn by recruitment agency promises of secure and well-paid jobs abroad. Unfortunately, many of these women are poorly educated and ill-prepared to deal with the widespread exploitative recruitment practices of low-skilled migrant work.
- The Risks: the high cost burdens placed upon migrant workers, through the imposition of arbitrary fees and wage deductions, means that many women face debt bondage for many months into their employment contract. Aside from financial exploitation, many female migrants are forced to work long hours under oppressive conditions and there are cases of sexual exploitation.
- The Risks to Children: Left behind in Indonesia, the children of women migrant workers are at a greater risk of missing out on schooling and early childhood development.
This project is supported by a grant from AusAID, the Australian Government Agency for International Development and donations from the Australian public.
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