Delays due to tighter Indonesian border controls and additional checks to prevent human trafficking.
SINGAPORE: Families in Singapore seeking to hire new Indonesian domestic workers may face delays of up to two months, as Indonesia enforces stricter border controls in response to concerns about human trafficking. These enhanced measures include more rigorous checks on citizens traveling abroad for work.
“Since June, we’ve seen increased inspections and tighter border controls to prevent our citizens from becoming victims of trafficking,” Tantri Darmastuti, a labour official at the Indonesian Embassy, told CNA. She explained that this includes verifying documentation for those seeking work abroad to ensure employment is legitimate.
However, domestic worker agencies in Singapore that follow the proper channels, working through the Indonesian embassy and ensuring all documentation is complete, will not be affected by these delays. “If you follow the procedures and ensure all documentation is in order, nothing will be affected,” said Darmastuti.
Delays Since Late May
The delays have been most notable since late May, particularly for agencies that are not accredited by the Indonesian Embassy or that do not use official contracts for new workers. Agencies in Singapore have reported lengthy administrative steps due to the increased documentation requirements.
Hilwah Brown, director of Hilwah Maid Agency, noted, “An agency like ours, which specializes in the Indonesian market, is greatly affected. The feeling of being unable to receive workers is similar to the challenges we faced during the pandemic.”
Otbert de Jong, co-founder of Ministry of Helpers, added that immigration officers have started requesting additional documentation, such as a training certificate from PJTKI—Indonesian migrant work placement companies. These companies are pushing for their certificates to be more widely used, especially for maid agencies handling direct hires, although the certificate doesn’t address trafficking issues directly.
The Indonesian Perspective
K. Jayaprema, president of the Association of Employment Agencies Singapore, emphasized that agencies need to consider the Indonesian government’s perspective. “What they are aiming for is to ensure that domestic workers have been properly processed and documented before departing for Singapore,” she said.
She encouraged agencies to become accredited with the Indonesian Embassy and to follow proper procedures, noting that documentation processes, training, and passport verification provide added value.
Despite the delays, Jayaprema does not foresee a significant shortage of Indonesian domestic workers. “There might be some shortfall for the time being, but it’s unlikely to create a massive shortage. Employers have other options and may turn to other source countries for recruitment,” she added.
The stricter checks are part of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to better protect its citizens from exploitation, while ensuring that those who do migrate for work are given the necessary legal and social protections.
