TRIANGLE in ASEAN

• Programme overview
• Programme's impact
• Quarterly briefing notes

Labour migration has long been a critical factor behind the economic and social dynamism of the ASEAN region and its people. Disparities in development between Member States, alongside demographic changes in destination countries, means that migration makes a substantial contribution to improved livelihoods and increased labour market efficiency.

Due to the high costs, long duration, and considerable complexity of navigating the regular channels for migration, many ASEAN migrants are employed precariously in destination countries without legal status. Regardless of the documents they hold, migrants within the region often experience exploitation and abuse because of inadequate protection of their labour rights during recruitment and employment.

Women face additional challenges in accessing safe and legal migration opportunities, with the type of work available to them often paying less and affording fewer legal protections due to lack of formalization. Protectionist policies in some countries restrict the movement of women by sector, destination or other circumstances perceived as dangerous or contrary to traditional social values.

In addressing these challenges, the TRIANGLE in ASEAN programme is a part of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) global efforts to promote fair migration. Through delivery of technical assistance and support to governments, social partners, civil society and regional bodies, TRIANGLE in ASEAN will create a suite of policies, tools and services that enhance the contribution of labour migration to stable and inclusive growth and development.

The Programme extends the successful partnerships with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Global Affairs Canada, building on years of working together to improve labour migration governance in the ASEAN region.

Migrant and potential migrant workers and their communities from and within the Greater Mekong Sub-region and Malaysia, tripartite constituents, recruitment agencies, civil society and the private sector.

ASEAN Secretariat and related ASEAN bodies, ASEAN Trade Union Council (ATUC), ASEAN Confederation of Employers (ACE), labour ministries, workers' and employers' organizations, recruitment agency associations, civil society organizations in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.