Social protection for migrant workers in ASEAN: Developments, challenges, and prospects

Labour migration is a key feature of the ASEAN labour market and is expected to continue to increase over the coming years. It has a significant economic impact on individuals, households and countries of destination and origin. Yet, access to social protection for migrant workers remains limited due to lack of portability arrangements, legislative barriers, discrimination, and poor compliance with existing social security laws.

This report provides an overview of the developments, challenges, and prospects of social protection for migrant workers in ASEAN. Based on extensive analysis of national and regional legal and policy measures, and a review of relevant international and human rights standards, unilateral standards, and bilateral and multilateral arrangements, it emphasizes the need for a comprehensive network of intra-ASEAN social security agreements.