Indonesia asks Hong Kong to expand migrant workers’ access to formal jobs
Jakarta is seeking opportunities in elderly care, hospitality and other services, while also pressing for stronger worker protections.
Indonesia is seeking access to professional and formal-sector employment in Hong Kong for its migrant workforce. Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin raised the request with Hong Kong labour and welfare secretary Chris Sun Yuk-han during bilateral talks, the Indonesian ministry said.
Ministry figures show that Hong Kong received 332,674 Indonesian migrant workers between 2023 and 2026, with domestic households employing 99.92 per cent. Jakarta wants to widen opportunities to elderly care, hospitality, food and beverage, and other services.
Mukhtarudin cited SMK Go Global as part of Indonesia’s preparations for overseas employment. The vocational programme aims to match Indonesian education curricula and skills standards with international requirements. Jakarta welcomed Hong Kong’s Pilot Scheme for Foreign Domestic Carers and sought simpler communication about placements under the Special Scheme to Import Care Workers for Residential Care Homes.
On worker protection, Mukhtarudin called for regulated hours, sufficient rest and freedom of religious practice. Separately, Jakarta requested closer coordination with Hong Kong’s labour and immigration authorities over permit renewals, employer changes and emergency help for workers experiencing exploitation or violence.
The ministry praised cooperation between Hong Kong’s Labour and Welfare Bureau and Indonesia’s consulate in handling disputes, complaints and assistance for dismissed workers. Sun recognised Indonesian workers’ contribution to caregiving and household support, and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to communication with Jakarta and protection of workers’ rights under local regulations.
