The Saudi Arabian government is preparing a new law to protect Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, likely in response to rampant reports of abuse against these workers. Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulrahman Al-Khayyat told a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday about the plan, although he did not elaborate.Contrary to popular belief, he said the Saudi government had also ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Al-Khayyat said Saudi Arabia so far only had a law protecting foreign citizens in general, including haj and umrah pilgrims, tourists and migrant workers.
He added that the Saudi government always paid attention to cases of abuse against migrant workers perpetrated by its citizens, including the recent torture of Indonesian maid Sumiati, reportedly at the hands of her Saudi employer. "If we don't give this case special attention, surely many will have a negative view of us. But we're trying to find a solution for both parties," Al-Khayyat said at his residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
( Jakartapost )
