A new report released by the International Labour Organization ILO sheds light on the precarious conditions and challenges experienced by Lao migrant workers, while also proposing measures to enhance their migration experiences and ensure access to decent work opportunities. While the governance of labor migration is gradually formalizing, many labor rights violations and inadequate support services continue to plague migrant workers.
The report underscores the significance of bridging these gaps to promote safer and more secure migration opportunities. Despite these advancements, the implementation of this framework remains challenging, as many of the new laws and regulations are yet to be effectively enforced. As a result, many Lao workers still resort to irregular migration channels due to the high costs, extended duration, and complex procedures of the formal migration process.
There is a noticeable absence of incentives for migrant workers to opt for the more regulated migration pathways. Lao women migrant workers, in particular, confront compounded discrimination rooted in their gender and nationality. They often face limited access to decent work opportunities and support services in destination countries, mainly due to the restricted avenues for formal migration available to them. This predicament results in higher rates of unemployment and workforce disengagement upon their return to their home country.
The ILO report indicates that positive migration experiences can be achieved if Lao migrant workers are able to evade exorbitant migration costs, secure protection for their labor rights, and find meaningful employment upon repatriation. By bolstering regulatory systems and enhancing service quality, the potential for migration to lead to decent work opportunities increases, ultimately improving the livelihoods of Lao migrants and their families in the long run.
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