Ratification of Migrant Workers Convention

On April 12, 2012, Indonesia took a significant step towards protecting the rights of migrant workers by ratifying the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (“Migrant Workers Convention” or “Convention”). The ratification was initiated by the House of Representative, and is currently waiting for the President to sign it (30 days max) before receiving a number, pursuant to Article 73 of Law No. 12 of 2011 on the Establishment of Laws and Regulations.    

The Migrant Workers Convention addresses the need for international protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families. It applies to all migrant workers and members of their families during the entire migration process, which includes preparation, departure, transit, the entire period of stay, and return (Article 1). However, the Convention does not apply to persons specified in Article 3, such as persons employed by international organizations and refugees.