RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is moving closer to expanding overseas employment opportunities after accelerating negotiations with Portugal on a labor agreement that will support the safe, legal, and protected placement of Indonesian migrant workers.

Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection (P2MI) Minister Mukhtarudin met with Indonesian Ambassador to Portugal Susi Marleny Bachsin in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to discuss the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which Indonesia and Portugal aim to sign in October 2026.

Ambassador Susi welcomed the ministry's support for the initiative. "The ministry's support is an important factor in realizing cooperation that is safe, legal, and mutually beneficial for both countries," Susi said, as quoted on the P2MI Ministry's official website.

She explained that negotiations with Portugal's migration authority, AIMA, have reached the final stage. Portugal has proposed that a delegation from the P2MI Ministry visit Lisbon in September 2026 to hold meetings with AIMA, conduct business matching with licensed Indonesian recruitment agencies, and finalize implementation mechanisms.

Minister Mukhtarudin welcomed the proposal and highlighted Portugal's interest in Indonesian skilled workers. "Thank you to the Ambassador for bringing good news regarding the progress of labor cooperation between Indonesia and Portugal, especially for skilled workers," he said.

He noted that Portugal is among the countries receiving special attention from President Prabowo Subianto. “We must prepare skilled workers as thoroughly as possible by strengthening vocational education and advancing the SMK Go Global program,” he said.

Although the current number of Indonesian migrant workers in Portugal remains limited, he believes the MoU will significantly increase future placements. "With the MoU in place, we hope the placement of Indonesian migrant workers in Portugal will continue to increase, both in quantity and quality," he continued.

The minister also emphasized that Indonesia is ready with its vocational training centers and licensed recruitment agencies while stressing that worker protection remains the government's highest priority.

"For the President, the most important thing is migrant worker protection. They must receive decent wages, proper housing, quality healthcare, and adequate social protection," he concluded. ***