Legal Clinic · Guide
Many migrant workers come home still owed wages, or hurt, or in debt to an agency. Leaving the country does not end your rights. These are the main steps for Indonesian workers.
Collect your contract, payslips, bank or transfer records, ID and passport copies, and photos or messages that show what happened. Write down names, addresses and dates. Tell the Indonesian embassy or consulate (the labor attaché) about unpaid wages before you go home, because a claim in the destination country is much easier while you are still there.
Report the problem to the Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI, formerly BP2MI) or its office in your province. Under Law 18/2017 the government must help migrant workers get the rights they are owed after they return, and the placement company (P3MI) that sent you shares responsibility for your protection.
If your agency or placement company charged illegal fees, broke the contract, or failed to help you, you can ask KP2MI or the local manpower office (Disnaker) to mediate. If that fails, a lawyer can bring a claim in an Indonesian court.
Indonesian migrant workers are covered by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. If you were injured, fell ill at work, or a family member died, ask BPJS Ketenagakerjaan whether you can claim.
Migrant workers' unions and organizations, such as SBMI (Serikat Buruh Migran Indonesia) and Migrant CARE, help returnees with claims and can go with you to government offices.
If you have tried and the authorities did nothing, or the harm was serious, the IMR Legal Clinic can help you take the case to a UN or regional human rights body.
Not sure where to start? Prepare your case with the Clinic and an IMR lawyer will look at it with you.
Start with the Clinic →This guide gives general information, not legal advice. Rules change; check with KP2MI or a lawyer before you act. Last reviewed October 2026.