Governments are the primary duty bearer for providing protections of all persons, including migrants. In the case of labour migration, this involves the laws and regulations of countries of origin, transit and destination. Gaps in migration and labour laws, uneven enforcement capacities and inconsistencies between jurisdictions lead to gaps in the protection of migrant workers.

Building on IOM’s global expertise in migration management, we provide technical assistance to governments to enhance the protections of migrant workers. This includes research to inform policymaking, development of policies, capacity building and dialogue between policy makers, civil society, the private sector and partner agencies from the United Nations. Embedded in IOM’s field offices around the globe, our teams assist governments at local, national and international levels. With the objective to enhance international cooperation, we create linkages with multilateral platforms, such as the Colombo Process or the Bali Process and our leading partners from the private sector and civil society.

We also provide guidance to multinational enterprises, employers and labour recruiters in understanding and adhering to the complex regulatory frameworks underpinning labour migration processes. Responding to the growing international body of transparency, human rights due diligence legislation, we promote the implementation of policies and practices that are participatory and inclusive of the needs of migrant workers.