There has been a significant rise in work visa applications from Indonesian migrants to Turkey, with reports indicating that the number of applications has increased dramatically over the past year. This announcement was made during a meeting held at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta between the Deputy Minister of Migrant Worker Protection, Kristina Ariani, and the Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia, Talip Koçak, along with other officials.
Kristina Ariani clarified that the number of work visa applications from Indonesian migrants to Turkey has nearly doubled, with data showing approximately 12,000 visa applications from November 2025 to April 2026, compared to 6,700 applications during the same period the previous year.
Details of the Meeting
During the meeting, ways to address this surge in applications were discussed, with Kristina confirming that the Indonesian government is taking strategic steps to ensure a smooth recruitment process. It was also noted that 6,500 of the new applications are still being processed, necessitating prompt actions to ensure that migrants are not delayed.
The Turkish ambassador reported that migrant labor plays a crucial role in supporting the Turkish economy, especially in the tourism sector, which has seen significant growth, with an expected 63.9 million tourists in 2025. This reflects a substantial demand for labor in this sector.
Background & Context
Historically, Turkey has been a major destination for migrant labor from several countries, including Indonesia. With the increasing demand for labor across various sectors, it has become essential to enhance cooperation between the Indonesian and Turkish governments. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the two countries to facilitate recruitment processes and provide a safe working environment for migrants.
Indonesia is one of the largest exporters of migrant labor in the world, with many young Indonesians seeking better job opportunities abroad. As the demand for labor in Turkey rises, this trend is expected to grow further in the coming years.
Impact & Consequences
This increase in work visa applications is an indicator of improving economic relations between Indonesia and Turkey. Such cooperation can contribute to enhancing employment opportunities and improving living conditions for migrant workers. It is anticipated that this will lead to increased Turkish investments in Indonesia, benefiting both countries.
Moreover, strengthening cooperation between the two governments could help establish more effective policies to protect the rights of migrant workers, thereby reducing the risks associated with illegal migration.
Regional Significance
The issue of migrant labor is significant in the Arab region, where many young Arabs seek job opportunities abroad. Indonesia's experience with Turkey could serve as a model for Arab countries on how to enhance government cooperation to facilitate recruitment processes and protect workers' rights.
In light of the challenging economic conditions faced by some Arab countries, it may be beneficial to look at the experiences of other countries like Indonesia and Turkey to enhance job opportunities and improve living conditions.