Labour Migration in Asia : Building Effective Institutions

Published By: Asian Development Bank Institute

The large movements of workers between countries, both within Asia and between Asia and other regions, show no signs of abating. Indeed, six of the world’s top 10 countries of net emigration are in Asia, including the top three. People are looking to improve their lives by fi nding work abroad. At the same time, evolving demographics in some medium- and high-income Asian countries have created a need to attract labor, including talented labor. While these fl ows of labor migration are being generated by human aspirations and labor market dynamics, there is a keen recognition that the fl ows need to be organized. This means assisting workers in securing employment and ensuring that they are protected in the work they do. It also means that receiving countries can eff ectively pinpoint the types of workers and skills that are needed and off er decent work opportunities. It is imperative for governments in labor-receiving countries to develop appropriate institutions and structures to assess the need for particular occupations and skill sets, set up mechanisms to secure appropriate workers from other countries, and ensure the fair treatment of those who come to work. The report illustrates the distinctive policies and institutions in three destination countries in Asia. Governments in some labor-sending countries have been proactive in setting up institutions and structures to support and safeguard the welfare of their citizens working abroad. Key services to be considered and provided include providing timely information, facilitating appropriate predeparture orientation, ensuring that recruitment is conducted through honest recruiters who are connected to good employers, and providing assistance to workers in foreign countries. Support for returnees is also being developed in a few countries.

Author(s): Asian Development Bank | Posted on: Nov 22, 2017 | Views() | Download (106)


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