Salary 19 citizens in Libya Employer Arrested

Libya increasingly erratic. Opposition forces stormed into Tripoli, the Libyan capital which previously controlled the defense forces Moammar Gaddafi. Unfortunately 19 Indonesian citizens left behind, even though the government has already evacuated hundreds of citizens of Indonesia.

Having traced 19 citizens turned out it was an illegal immigrant victims of human trade. Most of them chose to stay in the middle of the conflict because of their salaries withheld by employers.

Indonesian Ambassador to Tunisia, Muhammad Ibn Said, confirmed that the embassy has conducted an intense communication with the workers left behind. Said claimed the workers were remnants of hundreds of citizens who have been evacuated out of Libya.

"They are remnants, scattered yet known to exist before," said Said to VIVAnews, Tuesday, August 23, 2011.

Said claimed to get their names from the other maids who have been evacuated. To 19 people have been getting out of Libya, but they chose to stay because it has not been paid and lured big bonus after Eid.

"Most employers withheld their salaries, so they want to stay to take care of children, parents, or cooking. I've told them 'money could be sought after, life was just one' but they still choose to stay," said Said.

"Some others are working to a generous employer, they do not want to lose the opportunity if returned to Indonesia," she added.

Said explained that the 19 workers were sent to Libya illegally. They are mostly registered to work in Egypt, Dubai or Jordan, but by the dealer and then sent to Tripoli. "I say this as human trafficking, because they were moved illegally. In addition, Libya is not among the destinations of Indonesian workers," said Said.

The maids are working in a variety of elite settlements in Tripoli. Said claimed to continue to communicate with the maids, some afraid to tell because in the area near where he lived a shootout.

"They hear stories of battle and gunfire here and there. I urge to not go out and do not take steps itself. I call them to always be alert and do not leave the house, and away from the upheaval," said Said.