Operationalizing “Institutionalized Trafficking”: Worker Voice, Digital Safeguards, and Accountable Migration Governance

Molina-Fernández and Molinero-Gerbeau’s concept of “institutionalized trafficking” usefully shifts attention from isolated offenders to the rules and administrative arrangements that can produce coercive dependency within formally regulated migration systems. This correspondence argues that the concept will have greatest policy value when translated into observable accountability mechanisms. We propose a governance approach centered on independent worker voice, transparent recruitment costs and contracts, portable complaint pathways, risk-based inspection, digital recruitment verification, and clear cross-border responsibility for remedy. Indonesia provides a relevant comparative implementation lens, where migrant-worker protection operates across national and subnational institutions and where digital scam recruitment and fragmented responsibilities remain important challenges. Practical contribution and SDGs: operational indicators can help authorities distinguish prevention, protection, and enforcement functions while avoiding over-securitization of migration. The approach supports SDG 5 through gender-responsive worker protection and SDG 16 through transparent, accountable, and rights-based migration governance.