KUALA LUMPUR - An Indonesian woman, Nur Afni Afriyanti from Pakuhaji, Tangerang, is believed to be an undocumented migrant worker who has asked to be sent home after being stranded by a recruitment agent in Saudi Arabia.

Information gathered shows that Nur Afni was sent to Saudi Arabia in November 2025 by an individual recruiter identified only as Y, departing from Surabaya through an unofficial and illegal route.

She reportedly fell ill shortly after arrival and was unable to work, leading to her abandonment by the recruitment agent who arranged her placement.

The Tangerang District Government, through its Labour Department, confirmed that Nur Afni Afriyanti is a local resident of Pakuhaji, Banten.

Tangerang Labour Department Placement and Employment Expansion Division Head, Iis Kurniati said records showed that Nur Afni’s departure was illegal.

“When we checked our database, her name was not listed, which clearly indicates that she left illegally, and she departed unlawfully in 2025,” she said.

Iis added that according to family members, Nur Afni was already ill before leaving Indonesia but still chose to work as a domestic helper.

“If the process were legal, she would have gone through a medical check-up and would not have been allowed to leave while sick, but she forced herself to go, became unable to work in Saudi Arabia, and is now asking to be brought home,” she explained.

As an initial response, the department is tracing the individual agent responsible for her illegal deployment and has coordinated with BP3MI and relevant ministries to arrange her return.

“We are looking for the sponsor to hold them accountable, and we have officially written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BP3MI to facilitate her repatriation,” she added.