The Plight of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in Malaysia: From Deception to Abuse

Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) have long been a crucial part of Malaysia’s workforce, especially in sectors like construction, plantations, and domestic work. However, an alarming number of these workers are in Malaysia illegally, having entered the country through unauthorized means or overstayed their visas. The situation is more dire for these illegal PMIs, who face harsh conditions, exploitation, and even abuse.

On February 15, 2025, seven illegal Indonesian migrant workers were deported from Malaysia and accommodated in the Riau BP3MI Friendly Shelter. Their stories, ranging from physical abuse to financial deceit, highlight the severity of the challenges faced by these workers. The question remains: what can be done to protect the rights and well-being of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, both legal and illegal?

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This article delves deep into the issue of illegal Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, shedding light on their suffering, the complexities of their journey, and the urgent need for better protection and policies for migrant workers.

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The Journey to Malaysia: Deception and Desperation

For many Indonesians, the dream of working abroad to earn a better living for their families often turns into a nightmare. According to reports, some migrant workers, like Solihin, a resident of Madura, East Java, took the official route to Malaysia, only to find themselves imprisoned for a visa violation. Solihin had arrived in Malaysia in 2022, entering through legal channels but was detained for 3.5 months at the Immigration Depot in Kemayan, Pahang, after failing to update his work permit on time.

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Solihin’s tragic experience reflects the deeper issues within Malaysia’s immigration system. Although Solihin initially traveled legally, the overly stringent regulations and bureaucratic delays often cause workers to overstay their visas unintentionally, leading to their arrest and incarceration.

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Other workers, like Effendi from Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), reveal even more concerning issues. Effendi entered Malaysia illegally through Batam in 2019, paying a hefty sum to a “teapot” or labor recruiter. These illegal recruitment channels charge exorbitant fees, sometimes as much as IDR 14 million (about RM 4,000) per person. Once in Malaysia, Effendi worked on a palm plantation, where he was paid a monthly wage of RM 3,000. However, he was forced to endure dangerous working conditions, and his legal status was never regularized, putting him at risk of arrest and deportation.

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In some cases, like Fatimah’s from Lombok, the situation is even worse. Fatimah, a housewife, was promised a job in Malaysia through an official recruiter, only to be scammed out of RM 1,300. She and other workers were promised employment, but after paying the recruitment fees, they were left stranded in Medan, North Sumatra, with no job or means to get back home.

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The Impact of Abuse: Torture, Violence, and Psychological Trauma

One of the most harrowing aspects of the illegal PMI experience in Malaysia is the abuse they endure while detained. Solihin, the worker from Madura, shared his terrifying experience of being tortured while detained at the Kemayan Immigration Depot. He claimed to have been beaten, kicked, and even struck with an iron rod, causing severe physical and psychological harm. Despite only making a minor mistake, he was treated as a criminal, enduring unimaginable violence.

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Effendi and other workers in similar situations also describe the inhumane conditions of the immigration detention centers. Workers detained for overstaying their visas are often subjected to harsh physical punishment and denied basic human rights. These experiences leave lasting psychological scars, with many victims reporting ongoing pain and trauma even after their release.

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This abuse is not limited to detention centers. Illegal PMIs working in Malaysia are often subjected to exploitation by employers, who may withhold wages, impose unreasonable work hours, or subject workers to unsafe working conditions. These workers have little recourse due to their illegal status, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation without any legal protection.

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The Struggles of Deportation: Financial Barriers to Returning Home

When the detention period ends, illegal PMIs are often left stranded in Malaysia, unable to return home due to financial constraints. This issue is particularly concerning for those who have been tricked or exploited by recruiters who charge exorbitant fees for transportation and work permits. For instance, Fatimah and other workers were forced to wait in the Kemayan Depot, sometimes for months, until they could scrape together enough money for their deportation fees.

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The situation raises an important question: why is Malaysia not providing free repatriation services for illegal workers, similar to what is done in countries like Saudi Arabia? As Fatimah pointed out, workers in Saudi Arabia are repatriated free of charge, regardless of their legal status. This is not the case in Malaysia, where workers often have to pay high fees for their return journey, a financial burden that many cannot afford.

The Role of Indonesian Authorities: A Call for Action

Given the scale of the issues faced by Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, there is an urgent need for intervention from the Indonesian government. While the government has made some efforts to assist migrant workers, the current systems in place are insufficient to address the scale of the problems.

One of the primary recommendations is for the Indonesian government to strengthen its support systems for migrant workers. This could include providing financial assistance to cover repatriation costs, improving the screening of recruitment agencies to prevent scams, and increasing consular support for workers facing abuse and exploitation.

Additionally, the government must work closely with Malaysian authorities to ensure that Indonesian workers, both legal and illegal, are treated humanely and protected from abuse. Diplomatic efforts should be made to address the harsh conditions in detention centers and ensure that workers are not subjected to torture or mistreatment.

The stories of illegal Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, such as Solihin, Effendi, and Fatimah, are a testament to the struggles that many face while working abroad. From the deception of illegal recruitment channels to the abuse in detention centers and the financial barriers to repatriation, these workers endure unimaginable hardship.

The Indonesian government must take stronger action to protect its citizens who seek work abroad, ensuring that both legal and illegal migrant workers are treated fairly and humanely. It is crucial for Malaysia to also improve its systems, providing legal pathways for migration, protecting workers’ rights, and offering better repatriation policies to alleviate the financial burden on workers.

Migrant workers, especially the illegal PMIs, deserve dignity, respect, and protection—regardless of their legal status. As global migration continues to rise, the need for better international cooperation and comprehensive policies to protect the most vulnerable workers has never been more urgent.

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