How Saving Systems Can Help Migrants In Indonesia

Saving has never crossed the minds of migrant workers. But Indonesian migrant workers are learning a thing or two about using bank services and why it is important to have your own savings.

Most of them are Indonesian fishermen working for Taiwanese fishing vessels. A chunk of their earnings are sent back home leaving them nothing to be saved really. Saving is a concept that most Indonesian migrants have never imagined.  Lack of money to even spend could and does become a point of extreme stress for these Indonesian migrants.

Indonesian fishermen in Taiwan reportedly earn between NT$21,100 (US$738) to NT$25,000, before deductions, and like many other migrant workers in the country, they find it difficult to save money.

Saving through a banking system could give hope to the 7million migrant workers who could put those savings to better use.  According to human rights activists working in Indonesia, these kind of savings could help these workers find their own way back home whenever they needed, without being dependent on their employer. Most migrant workers are not getting support to go back home when they want to.  Some are also harassed with extreme working conditions, no leaves, no rest or holidays, passports confiscated, inhuman living conditions and much more.  Such kind of moves can really help bring a shining light at the end of the tunnel for migrant workers world over.