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Many countries have gained from the arrival of migrant workers who have brought their labour and their skills. But along with these benefits come responsibilities. Countries need to ensure that migrants are treated fairly, have adequate protection and have access to decent work.
Unfortunately, in many cases migrant workers can be subjected to exploitative and abusive treatment. The problems can start as soon as they arrive. They may find that their original contract has been substituted for another, that they face very poor working conditions, or that wages are lower than were agreed and are paid late. Female workers can be subjected to sexual harassment.
Governments of destination countries may be reluctant to extend support to temporary migrant workers on the grounds that this might encourage them to stay. But they do need to offer the basic levels of protection established in the ILO's Multilateral Framework for Migrant workers.
Employers
organizations can also play an important part, for example by putting pressure on the recruitment industry to prevent abuses. Trade unions too can play an active role in protecting migrant workers, whether or not they are union members. Civil society organizations including migrant workers organizations and national and international NGOs, should also be able to offer support.
What the ILO can offer
The ILO's principal function is to serve as the guardian of international labour standards. But it can also help countries in their efforts to meet those standards, providing technical support and advice, including examples of best practice from around the region — on many issues including admission policies social security, integration and the protection of basic rights.
As a tripartite international organization, the ILO is also in a unique position to foster networking between governments and organizations in countries of origin and destination.
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