Working for the Nation, Vulnerable at the Border: Legal Protection for Migrant Workers from Nunukan Regency

Abstract

Nunukan Regency occupies a strategic position in migrant mobility because of its geographical characteristics as a border region. Cross-border migration creates economic opportunities but also increases exposure to exploitation, trafficking, undocumented migration, and limited access to legal protection. This study aims to examine legal protection for migrant workers originating from Nunukan Regency, particularly during recruitment, departure, placement, and return. The research adopts a socio-legal approach by combining regulatory analysis with empirical research involving migrant workers, families, local government institutions, and relevant agencies. The study argues that migrant-worker protection cannot rely exclusively on national legislation because vulnerabilities often emerge from socio-economic conditions in the area of origin and the distinctive characteristics of border regions. Stronger protection requires inter-agency coordination, recruitment monitoring, accessible information, complaint mechanisms, and reintegration measures for returning workers. Local governments play a particularly important role in developing community-based protection before workers leave their communities. The study conceptualizes labor migration as both a legal and social issue requiring cross-sectoral and rights-based governance. Strengthening protection at the local level may reduce vulnerabilities before they become transnational legal problems and improve the continuity of protection throughout the migration cycle.