Introduction: Indonesian White-Collar Workers in Taiwan Encouraged to Register for Benefits
The Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (IETO) in Taipei has launched a call to action for Indonesian white-collar migrant workers in Taiwan to officially register in a newly introduced online system. This registration will enable them to access the same social security benefits and exemptions currently enjoyed by blue-collar workers from Indonesia.
The pilot program, launched on October 17, aims to address the growing number of professional Indonesian workers in Taiwan and ensure that they receive the necessary support, similar to their blue-collar counterparts.
Key Points of the Program: Ensuring Equal Benefits for White-Collar Migrants
During an event held on Sunday, Indonesia’s Deputy Representative in Taiwan, Zulmartinof, highlighted the importance of the registration system, which is managed by the Agency for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BP2MI). The online registration system is designed to provide a range of benefits for professional migrant workers, including:
- Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Social Security coverage
- Exemptions of US$500 in customs duties when sending or carrying goods back to Indonesia up to three times a year
By officially registering in the system, Indonesian workers in Taiwan can ensure their access to these benefits, which have traditionally been available to manual labor workers.
Indonesian Migrant Workers: A Growing Professional Presence in Taiwan
As part of Indonesia’s broader initiative to protect migrant workers, the new system is part of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia on the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, which was passed in 2017. Under this law, it is mandatory for all Indonesian workers abroad to be registered in the BP2MI system.
According to Zulmartinof, the Indonesian government has traditionally focused its efforts on registering manual labor workers who require more immediate attention due to their job-related risks. However, the need to extend these benefits to white-collar workers is becoming more urgent as Indonesia is now the third-largest source of professional migrant workers in Taiwan, following Malaysia and Japan.
These white-collar workers, who typically hold professional foreign worker status, work across several industries in Taiwan, including:
- Engineering
- Higher education
- Journalism
- Translation
- Hospitality
The pilot program is still in its early stages, with only 19 out of 5,947 registered white-collar workers as of 5 p.m. Sunday, according to the IETO. If the program proves successful, Indonesia’s Ministry of Labor plans to extend similar programs to other countries with significant Indonesian migrant workforces.
Benefits of Registration: Securing Social Protection for Indonesian Professionals
The BP2MI system is crucial for ensuring that Indonesian migrant workers are not only protected in the event of work-related accidents but also receive health assistance and support in the unfortunate case of death. For many Indonesian workers in Taiwan, this registration will be the key to securing comprehensive social protection.
Additionally, for those working in specialized fields, registering in the online system can provide greater access to employment rights and clearer pathways for legal assistance.
Income and Employment Sectors of Indonesian White-Collar Workers in Taiwan
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Many Indonesian professionals work as engineers in Taiwan’s booming tech industry. |
| Higher Education | Indonesian graduates are employed as faculty members in Taiwanese universities. |
| Journalism | Some work as reporters or translators for local media. |
| Translation | Translation services are a key area for Indonesian professionals. |
| Hospitality | The hospitality sector employs Indonesian workers in managerial or administrative roles. |
FAQs: The New Online Registration System for Indonesian Migrant Workers
Q1: Who can register for the new system?
A1: The system is specifically for white-collar Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan who hold professional foreign worker status. This includes those working in sectors like engineering, higher education, and hospitality.
Q2: What are the benefits of registration?
A2: Registered workers will gain access to Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Social Security, customs duty exemptions for goods sent to Indonesia, and other protections in case of accidents, health issues, or death.
Q3: Why is this system important?
A3: The system helps ensure that all Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan, regardless of their job sector, receive the benefits and protections afforded by Indonesian law, thus fostering a safer working environment.
Q4: How can workers register?
A4: Workers can register through the online platform set up by the BP2MI, which was launched on October 17 as part of the pilot program.
Q5: How successful has the program been so far?
A5: As of now, only 19 out of 5,947 eligible white-collar workers in Taiwan have registered. The program is still in the early stages, and the Indonesian government hopes to see higher participation as the program progresses.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Greater Support for Indonesian White-Collar Workers
The call for white-collar Indonesian migrant workers to register in the online system marks an important step toward ensuring equal treatment and protection for all Indonesian nationals working in Taiwan. As the pilot program progresses, it is hoped that more workers will take advantage of the available benefits, including social security and customs duty exemptions. The Indonesian government’s push to provide better protections for professional foreign workers aligns with its broader commitment to improving the welfare of its migrant workforce abroad.
