Live: Indonesia is preparing to sign a new agreement with Saudi Arabia, ending a decade-long ban on sending its citizens to work in the Kingdom, whether as domestic workers or in the formal sector. This comes after Jakarta received Saudi assurances to enhance worker protections .

Minister of Migrant Workers Protection Abdul Kadir Karding announced that ministers from the two countries will sign a memorandum of understanding in Jeddah this month to regulate the legal employment of migrant workers .

Carding said in a text message to Bloomberg on Saturday :
" Following the improvements to the labor protection system in Saudi Arabia, we are now ready to reopen the program ."

Carding revealed that more than 25,000 domestic workers enter Saudi Arabia unofficially each year, reflecting the high demand for Indonesian labor.

Saudi guarantees

Carding explained that Saudi Arabia has allocated 600,000 job opportunities for Indonesian workers, including 400,000 domestic jobs and 200,000 formal sector jobs .

The new agreement includes strict measures to protect workers, most notably :

• Setting a minimum wage of 1,500 Saudi riyals ($399), which is higher than the minimum wage in Jakarta .
• Strengthening workers' rights and ensuring strict oversight of employers and recruitment agencies .