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Ageing migrant populations require new approaches to social protection
General shots of shopkeepers and street hawkers in different markets in Delhi, India.

Voices and insights on social protection and migration in the South Asia–Gulf corridor

Ageing migrant populations require new approaches to social protection

The first paper in the ILO STREAM Programme's Voices and Insights series examines how ageing among long-term migrant workers is exposing gaps in social protection across the migration corridor linking South Asia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)...

Sri Lanka moves to shield migrant workers from crises through enhanced social protection
A worker wearing a high-visibility vest sweeps a paved road in a vast desert landscape, with towering sandstone cliffs in the background.

Sri Lanka moves to shield migrant workers from crises through enhanced social protection

National consultation calls for stronger, better-coordinated social protection systems in countries of origin and destination to protect migrant workers and their families before, during and after crises.

Cross-regional dialogue platform launched on social protection for migrant workers along the Asia–Gulf corridor
Women and men standing together

Cross-regional dialogue platform launched on social protection for migrant workers along the Asia–Gulf corridor

The launch of the platform, co-chaired by the Philippines and the GCC Executive Bureau, sends a powerful message: effective social protection for migrant workers can only be achieved through dialogue and partnership between countries of origin and...

Saudi Arabia and ILO discuss ongoing cooperation aimed at advancing labour market development and worker protection
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo (right) and Saudi Arabia Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi during a bilateral meeting at the 114th ILC. Geneva, 4 May 2026.

Development cooperation programme

Saudi Arabia and ILO discuss ongoing cooperation aimed at advancing labour market development and worker protection

AI-driven transformation puts jobs, inequality and skills at a crossroads in the Arab region
Abstract digital illustration showing hands typing on a laptop keyboard with an AI icon and data interface overlays. Human figure icons and binary-style graphics appear in the background, symbolizing artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the future of work.

New report

AI-driven transformation puts jobs, inequality and skills at a crossroads in the Arab region

A new report outlines diverging AI futures for jobs, growth and inequality in the Arab region. Proactive and inclusive policy measures are needed today, ILO Regional Director Ruba Jaradat says during an Arab Forum for Sustainable Development special...

IMRF stakeholders strengthen commitments to wage and social protection for migrant workers
Foreign workers cut steel on a construction site in the UAE, 2021.

IMRF stakeholders strengthen commitments to wage and social protection for migrant workers

A high-level dialogue at the International Migration Review Forum 2026 explored practical ways to include migrant workers in wage and social protection systems across the migration corridor between Africa, Asia and the Gulf, with the support of the...

Rethinking social protection across borders for migrant domestic workers
Participants at the South-4-Care Learning Hub side event on “Caring across borders for  those who care: Rethinking social protection for migrant domestic workers in the South Asia–GCC corridor”, organized by the ILO STREAM Programme. Sri Lanka. 24/4/2026

Rethinking social protection across borders for migrant domestic workers

A research event organized by the ILO STREAM Programme presented new research and practical solutions to ensure that those who provide care across the South Asia–GCC corridor are themselves protected and cared for.

Saudi Arabia strengthens national capacities in cooperative development
Cooperative members participate in an ILO cooperative training session in Saudi Arabia, April 2026.

Saudi Arabia strengthens national capacities in cooperative development

Saudi Arabia is strengthening its national capacities to promote cooperatives by building a pool of certified cooperative trainers to expand access to locally delivered training and advisory services across the country.

ILO Director-General urges a human-centred response to technological change and global labour market fragmentation
ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo alongside Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and other ministers participating in the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh. 26/01/2026

ILO Director-General urges a human-centred response to technological change and global labour market fragmentation

At the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted the need for inclusive growth, a just transition and renewed social dialogue amid labour market disruption and geopolitical uncertainty.

ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities concludes two online validation workshops on strengthening labour functions in employers’...
People appear in pictures in triangle shapes. One women in a laboratory coat smile while holding a microscope, a male and female nurse, a women wearing a black traditional Arab robe, a man and a women in a construction site, a man wearing traditional white Arab costume working in a laboratory.

Employers and Business Membership Organization - capacity building

ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities concludes two online validation workshops on strengthening labour functions in employers’...

Strengthening labour functions in employers’ and business membership organizations in the Arab States

Report reviews the wage protection system in Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Meeting organized by the EB-GCC at the ILO headquarters in Geneva

New ILO-GCC joint report

Report reviews the wage protection system in Gulf Cooperation Council countries

Joint ILO-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) analysis highlights the extent of progress made in ensuring timely wage payments.

World leaders renew commitments to social protection for migrant workers across the Gulf, South Asia and Africa
Migrant worker wearing yellow holding a notebook and a pen

Second World Summit for Social Development

World leaders renew commitments to social protection for migrant workers across the Gulf, South Asia and Africa

A landmark gathering at the Second World Summit for Social Development united policymakers and social partners from the three regions to advance joint action on extending social protection to millions of migrant workers.

New ILO programme set to advance social protection for migrant workers across the South Asia–Gulf corridor
Panellists at the WSSD Solution session “From Origin to Destination”

New ILO programme set to advance social protection for migrant workers across the South Asia–Gulf corridor

The official launch of the STREAM Programme at the Second World Summit for Social Development marks a new stage in strengthening social protection for migrant workers and their families across the South Asia–Gulf corridor.

Saudi Arabia advances cooperative development through institutional strengthening and training
Saudi participants at ILO Training of Trainers on Think.COOP and Start.COOP.

Saudi Arabia advances cooperative development through institutional strengthening and training

ILO supports the Cooperative Societies Council’s strategic strengthening and delivers the first national Training of Trainers on Think.COOP and Start.COOP.

New ILO factsheets reveal linkages between climate challenges and green job opportunities in the Arab States region
Solar panels installation, Beirut Lebanon. November 2022

New ILO factsheets reveal linkages between climate challenges and green job opportunities in the Arab States region

New ILO country factsheets present a concise overview on key employment, environment, and climate data for the Arab States region.

Digitalization and artificial intelligence promise to boost jobs in the Arab States – but they must be managed inclusively
Agarwal Diya, intern in INWORK, WORKQUALITY Department

ILO report

Digitalization and artificial intelligence promise to boost jobs in the Arab States – but they must be managed inclusively

Report highlights need for policies that are inclusive for women, youth and vulnerable groups and ensure a just digital transition.

ILO and Digital Cooperation Organization forge partnership to advance inclusive and sustainable digital economies
ILO DDG signature MOU with DCO

ILO and Digital Cooperation Organization forge partnership to advance inclusive and sustainable digital economies

The ILO and DCO sign a strategic agreement to address the impact of digital transformation on global labour markets. The partnership aims to promote decent work through digital skills, inclusive policies and support for youth, women and vulnerable...

Saudi Arabia and ILO seal new phase of joint work to advance decent work reforms
(L to R) Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed AlRajhi and ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo sign the third phase of the joint Programme of Cooperation. Geneva 4/6/2025

Development cooperation programme

Saudi Arabia and ILO seal new phase of joint work to advance decent work reforms

The third phase of the development cooperation programme and two institutional agreements were signed to strengthen labour governance, social protection and worker rights, and support long-term cooperation.

ILO expands FAIRWAY programme to advance decent work for African migrant workers in the Arab States
Participants stand for a group photo during the launch of the 2nd phase of the ILO's FAIRWAY programme

FAIRWAY migration

ILO expands FAIRWAY programme to advance decent work for African migrant workers in the Arab States

New four-year initiative to support African migrant workers targets key sectors such as care and construction to address rights gaps and enhance regional cooperation.

ILO Director-General calls for inclusive labour market reform amid global challenges
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo discusses labour market transformations at the 2nd Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

ILO Director-General calls for inclusive labour market reform amid global challenges

At the second Global Labour Market Conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlights the urgent need for collective action to tackle decent work deficits and foster equitable opportunities worldwide.