The ILO continuously advocates and fosters the extension of social security through research, knowledge sharing, technical services, the development of appropriate tools and other capacity-building activities. The ILO's work in this area places particular emphasis on technical services, knowledge products and policy advice that will support the extension of social protection.
Majority of the countries in South Asia are having a very large portion of labour force in the informal economy. These informal economy workers are having no or very limited access to basic social security coverage.
The ILO is working closely with the constituents in many countries in the subregion (India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) to assist the various extension initiatives that are currently underway to reach the vulnerable and hitherto uncovered workers with basic minimum social security coverage.