JOB MIGRATION | VIENTIANE- Govt reaffirms support for migrant workers

Mr Bounsuan Sayyasine explains the work of the TRIANGLE in Asean programme

.

.

.

Laos will continue to work with its development partners including other Asean members for the protection of migrant workers’ rights, a recent conference in Vientiane heard.

.

Meeting participants reported on the progress of their activities and shared future plans including coordination and the sharing of information on labour migration among stakeholder and network organisations, which will be improved.

 

Head of the Overseas Employment Division at the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Bounsuan Sayyasine, told a project advisory committee meeting of the TRIANGLE in Asean programme “The project works with labour ministries, workers’ and employers’ organisations, recruitment agencies and civil society organisations in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.”

The programme is being rolled out from 2021-2025 and involves the participation of governments, employers, workers and civil society organisations in the implementation of regional and national activities.

The initiative aims to ensure that migrant workers are protected by sound management plans and various policies and programmes to support the economic and social development of migrant workers, both women and men.

The aim is to develop a labour migration system that fulfils gender roles and increases the efficiency of the labour market in the Asean region.

 

At the same time, the scheme will encourage more support from the public sector and society as a whole, and friendly countries and international organisations will be encouraged to help overcome various challenges, Mr Bounsuan said.

The meeting reviewed TRIANGLE in Asean’s activities planned for 2023 and 2024. Participants also reviewed the achievements of activities carried out in 2022.

Attendees noted the successes achieved in coordination and the sharing of lessons learnt between the parties involved in protecting and promoting the rights of migrant workers.

Many workers now have access to information and assistance, with more and more seeking work abroad turning to formal channels for help. Staff at migrant worker information centres and other individuals involved in assisting migrant workers are now able to offer better assistance than in the past.

The TRIANGLE in Asean programme is a part of the International Labour Organisation’s global efforts to promote fair migration.

 

Through the delivery of technical assistance and support to governments, social partners, civil society and regional bodies, TRIANGLE in Asean creates policies, tools and services that enhance the contribution of labour migration to equitable and just societies.

By Phetphopxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update September 1, 2023)