Key facts
- Indonesian migrant fishers are being trafficked and forced into labor slavery on fishing vessels.
- Recruitment often involves deceptive promises of well-paying jobs.
- Workers face debt bondage, long hours, and abuse.
- The operations frequently occur in international waters, complicating legal recourse.
- Limited access to communication and legal aid exacerbates the vulnerability of these workers.
Indonesian migrant fishers are falling victim to human trafficking and forced labor schemes, lured by deceptive promises of lucrative employment on fishing vessels. Once at sea, these workers are often subjected to conditions akin to slavery, facing debt bondage, grueling work hours, and abuse. The remote nature of their work, frequently in international waters, makes them particularly vulnerable and limits their access to communication, legal aid, and rescue.
These operations exploit loopholes in labor laws and enforcement, as vessels often operate beyond national jurisdictions. The fishers, many of whom are young and from impoverished backgrounds, are recruited through agents who promise attractive wages and stable employment. However, upon boarding the vessels, their passports are often confiscated, and they are forced to work under threat of violence or further debt, with little to no pay.