Bangkok, 13 December 2021 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Economist Impact have released a new report Spotlight on Labour Migration in Asia. The report presents key labour migration changes in Asia and action areas needed to support safe, orderly and regular labour migration in the future.

Asia dominates global migration flows, with one in three migrant workers hailing from the region. However, the routes and migration dynamics are shifting, requiring all stakeholders – public and private – to work together to ensure regulations and laws that govern labour migration are strengthened and enforcement mechanisms are improved.

The report explores how low-wage international labour migration in Asia has changed over the last two decades, identifies the drivers behind these changes, and analyses how risks and vulnerabilities faced by migrants have evolved. It also outlines best practices and policies to further strengthen protections and support the millions of people who choose to cross borders in search of a better life for themselves and their families.

“Migrant workers play an important role in essential services, such as agriculture, sales, domestic work, and logistics. They contribute to growth and development in both the destination countries and their countries of origin. Unfortunately, some of them face many challenges including abuse and exploitation, and unsafe working conditions,” said Dr. Nenette Motus, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. 

“The Spotlight on Labour Migration in Asia report by IOM and Economist Impact, within the framework of IOM’s CREST programme, encourages all stakeholders, including businesses, to consider the steps needed to maximize the development impacts of labour migration while mitigating the risks of forced labour and human trafficking. The private sector and governments should continue engaging in a meaningful dialogue to produce codes of conduct that can shape and direct business practices”, she added.  

“Linking migration dynamics across all relevant institutions of health, security and governance is critical. COVID-19 has highlighted the vulnerabilities that migrants face when these links are broken. With future risks and challenges facing the region, either in the form of pandemics or climate change risks, policymakers will need to ensure that migrants are included in social welfare planning,” said Minakshi Barman, Senior Manager at Economist Impact.

The report emphasizes the importance of companies proactively seeking to understand migrant worker journeys across the breadth of their supply chains, including the risks of irregular or dangerous migration routes. Companies are also encouraged to move beyond a minimalist labour rights perspective towards an effort to contribute to positive, safe and healthy migration experiences, including exploring issues such as positive integration into destination countries using community partnerships. 

The Report can be found on IOM’s Publications platform here. 

For more information about the project, please contact Myriam Mwizerwa at mmwizerwa@iom.int or Anastasia Vynnychenko at avynnychenko@iom.int 
For media inquiries, please contact Nguyen Thi Hong Yen at thihnguyen@iom.int