Legal Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers from the Perspective of International Law and Its Implementation

Deswita Rosra; Dwi Astuti Palupi; Febrina Annisa

doi:10.59261/jlsp.v4i4.274

Authors

Deswita Rosra Universitas Bung Hatta
Dwi Astuti Palupi Universitas Bung Hatta
Febrina Annisa Universitas Bung Hatta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59261/jlsp.v4i4.274

Keywords:

International law, Legal protection, Migrant workers, State responsibility

Abstract

Background: Indonesian migrant workers continue to face various forms of vulnerability, including exploitation, unpaid wages, physical and psychological violence, human trafficking, document confiscation, and limited access to justice in destination countries. International law has established a broad framework for protection through human rights instruments, migrant worker conventions, and International Labour Organization standards.

Objective: This research examines the legal protection of Indonesian migrant workers from the perspective of international law and evaluates its implementation within the Indonesian legal system.

Methods: This study employs normative legal research using statutory, conceptual, and international-instrument approaches. Primary legal materials consist of international conventions, International Labour Organization instruments, Indonesian legislation, and bilateral agreements concerning migrant workers. Secondary legal materials include academic books, journal articles, institutional reports, and relevant legal studies.

Results: The results show that Indonesia has incorporated several international principles into its national regulations, particularly through legal protection before, during, and after employment. However, practical implementation remains uneven due to illegal recruitment, weak supervision, overlapping institutional authority, limited access to legal assistance, and differences between Indonesian law and the domestic laws of destination countries. Effective protection requires stronger integration of international legal standards, national regulations, bilateral cooperation, consular services, recruitment monitoring, and cross-border complaint mechanisms.

Conclusion: The novelty of this research lies in proposing an integrated protection framework that positions state responsibility, institutional coordination, and accessible legal remedies as interconnected elements in safeguarding Indonesian migrant workers throughout the migration process.

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