Abstract:
The increase in international migration has led to a growing number of migrant workers in irregular or illegal
situations, especially from developing countries such as Indonesia. In reality, illegal migrant workers are often seen
solely as violators of immigration laws, so their presence is often associated with repressive actions such as
detention and deportation. In addition, the presence of illegal migrant workers often creates vulnerabilities,
including exploitation, discrimination, human trafficking, and limited access to justice. This study aims to analyze
the understanding of human rights protection for illegal migrant workers and state responsibilities in the context of
international law. The method used in this study is normative legal research with a legislative and conceptual
approach, through an analysis of international legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
ICCPR, ICESCR, and ILO Convention No. 143 of 1975. The research findings show that illegal migration status
does not eliminate the basic rights of migrant workers as individuals with human rights. The state is responsible for
respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the rights of illegal migrant workers without discrimination. This protection
includes the right to decent working conditions, fair wages, protection from exploitation, and access to justice.
Therefore, migration policies based on human rights and alignment of national laws with international legal
standards are needed to ensure humane and fair protection for irregular migrant workers.
