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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...

Oman advances a new regional model for rights-based social protection
 (R to L) Oman Minister of Labour Prof. Mahad Said Baawain, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and other officials at the launch of a joint ILO-Oman Social Protection Fund report on the sidelines of the 114th ILC.Geneva, 4 May 2026.

Report

Oman advances a new regional model for rights-based social protection

A new report by the ILO and Oman’s Social Protection Fund highlights how integrated, lifecycle-based social protection aligned with international labour standards can strengthen social justice and economic resilience.

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...

Nepal advances for stronger social protection for migrant workers at home and abroad
Construction workers in Qatar, where foreign workers make up about 95% of the country’s total labour force.

Nepal advances for stronger social protection for migrant workers at home and abroad

National dialogue calls for better coordination across the migration cycle and closer alignment with destination-country systems.

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.

Addressing the impacts of extreme heat through social protection
ILO session on “Protection workers from the impacts of extreme heat through social protection”. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- 26/01/2026

Addressing the impacts of extreme heat through social protection

International stakeholders at the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh explored how social protection can help protect workers, including migrant workers across the GCC-South Asia corridor, from the growing impacts of extreme heat.

Oman hosts the Gulf region’s first training workshop on monitoring and evaluating social protection systems
A group of men and women pose for a photo after training in Oman

Oman hosts the Gulf region’s first training workshop on monitoring and evaluating social protection systems

The training advances inclusive social protection in Oman, including for migrant workers, by strengthening monitoring and evaluation capacities for social protection systems.

ILO supports safer migration for Nepali workers to GCC countries by advancing social protection
Migrant workers lay down supporting rods for a floor at a construction site in Doha Qatar.

Press Release

ILO supports safer migration for Nepali workers to GCC countries by advancing social protection

The ILO intensifies collaboration with the government, social partners and civil society in Nepal to ensure safe, dignified and equitable migration for Nepali workers to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through the STREAM Programme.

ILO and Sri Lanka expand cooperation on social protection for migrant workers
Young woman working at a construction site in Sri Lanka.May 19, 2015

South Asia–GCC migration corridor

ILO and Sri Lanka expand cooperation on social protection for migrant workers

Sri Lankan tripartite partners identified pathways for cooperation with the ILO STREAM Programme to extend social protection for migrant workers employed in the Gulf.

Arab region builds social insurance capacities through new ILO training programme
National delegations and social partners from 9 Arab countries united in Amman for the foundational course of the ILO Arab Region Social Insurance capacity-building programme.

Arab region builds social insurance capacities through new ILO training programme

Delegations from nine Arab States convene in Jordan to build capacities in social insurance governance, closing coverage gaps, and managing digital and labour market shifts.

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.

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.

Bangladesh and ILO join forces to strengthen social protection for migrant workers
a group photo of participants of STREAM Programme briefing for national stakeholders in Bangladesh, 20 October 2025, Dhaka

South Asia–GCC migration corridor

Bangladesh and ILO join forces to strengthen social protection for migrant workers

Bangladeshi tripartite stakeholders and the ILO STREAM Programme pinpoint areas for collaboration to make social protection a reality for migrant workers at home and abroad.

Why paternity leave matters: Lessons from Oman and beyond
A father carries his child on his back while fishing

Podcast

Why paternity leave matters: Lessons from Oman and beyond

In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, the ILO’s Laura Addati and Omani representative Khadija Al Mawali explain the impact of the parental leave gap between mothers and fathers, and show how Oman is bridging that gap.

ILO and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation reaffirm support for Oman’s inclusive social protection reforms
a group of women and men meeting with the Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman H.E. Dornath Arya

ILO and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation reaffirm support for Oman’s inclusive social protection reforms

A high-level visit, set in the context of Oman’s recent social protection reforms, aimed to deepen cooperation on social protection and migration under the new STREAM programme.

ILO supports Oman in fostering a sustainable and inclusive social health protection system
Group photo featuring conference speakers and participants, Muscat, Oman

Social protection

ILO supports Oman in fostering a sustainable and inclusive social health protection system

A conference on health insurance organized by Oman’s Social Protection Fund and Ministry of Health paved the way for building a consensual vision of Oman’s social health protection system.

ILO discusses maternity benefits and implications for labour markets in the Arab Gulf countries
A group photo of participants of maternity benefits workshop organized by GCC and ILO in Oman. 22 January 2025.

ILO discusses maternity benefits and implications for labour markets in the Arab Gulf countries

Oman hosts workshop to review maternity protection policies and explore improvement opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Bangladesh: Rethinking labour migration governance for a fairer future
A disappointed Bangladeshi migrant worker slouches after failing to get an air tickets to return to Saudi Arabia to resume work

Migrant workers

Bangladesh: Rethinking labour migration governance for a fairer future

Bangladeshi migrant workers are not only shaping economies abroad but also driving development at home. However, their journey remains fraught with challenges that demand systemic reforms.