KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia has sent off more than 1,000 Balinese residents for employment in Bulgaria as part of its expanding overseas labour deployment strategy.

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin said the workers would first undergo pre-departure orientation before leaving for their assignments.

“Bulgaria is one of the countries that we have designated as a migrant worker placement destination following assessments.

“Today, we are sending off 1,000 prospective migrant workers who will undergo predeparture orientation,” he said, as reported by Antara.

He said Bulgaria was selected based on its relatively strong worker protection framework, social security system, competitive wages and stable security conditions.

The workers, who are scheduled to depart in stages starting April 9, have undergone between six and 12 months of hospitality training to meet professional standards.

Mukhtarudin said Indonesia remains focused on deploying workers in the formal sector while maintaining a moratorium on the placement of domestic helpers abroad.

“We will continue to increase the deployments of skilled and competent migrant workers to seize wide opportunities in global labor markets,” he said.

He encouraged the workers to build networks with local communities in Bulgaria to create future business opportunities upon returning home.

“I want you to work well while upholding responsibilities, rules, discipline, and integrity,” he said.

He also advised them to report any employment issues through official channels instead of social media, assuring that the government is ready to respond.

“No need for concerns; you can focus on your jobs because the state will always be present for you wherever you work,” he added.

Mukhtarudin reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring protection for migrant workers throughout the entire migration cycle.

Indonesia is targeting the deployment of 5,000 workers to Bulgaria by 2027 while continuing to explore new destination countries.