UAE Economic Boom Drives Demand for Skilled Indonesians

KBRN, Abu Dhabi: The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi highlights a surge in job opportunities for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) amid the United Arab Emirat (UAE) fast-paced economic growth and acute need for skilled labor.

This trend aligns with ambitious development projects across multiple sectors, positioning Indonesia to boost formal placements of qualified workers.

"Job opportunities for PMI in the UAE continue to increase. This country is developing rapidly and needs a lot of workers, especially skilled ones that cannot be fulfilled by local labor," said Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, Judha Nugraha, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

As reported by Antara, UAE immigration data shows around 81,000 Indonesian nationals currently employed there, with most still in domestic roles but a significant rise in skilled positions.

"We see more and more Indonesian workers in the hospitality sector, and over 500 Indonesian engineers now working at oil companies in the UAE," added Judha.

The ambassador emphasized that these figures demonstrate Indonesian workers' ability to compete in the UAE's strategic economic sectors.

"This is a valuable opportunity to promote the placement of migrant workers, especially in formal and skilled sectors, to the UAE," he said.

Judha stressed that expanding opportunities must go hand-in-hand with safe migration practices, including comprehensive protection for PMI from pre-departure through employment and repatriation.

He assured that the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai stand ready to provide full support, urging all PMI to report to Indonesian representatives for complete protection during their stay. ***