News and statements on labour migration

  1. ILO and SDC launch new programme to protect migrant workers in vulnerable situations in the Arab States, with a focus on workers from Africa

    30 March 2020

    The FAIRWAY Programme, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by ILO, responds to the need to ensure decent work for migrant workers, including in sectors where they are at high risk of exploitation, such as in domestic work, construction and hospitality, and will support interregional collaboration between countries in Africa and the Middle East.

  2. Conflict and mass displacement increase child labour

    20 March 2019

    Conflict and crisis in the Middle East and North Africa has led to an increase in child labour across the region, including in children’s involvement in armed conflict and other illicit activities, a new report finds.

  3. “Thank you Soma”: ILO documentary explores relationship between migrant domestic workers and Arab youth

    18 December 2018

    On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the ILO premieres a new documentary that aims to challenge common perceptions about migrant domestic workers.

  4. Skilling migrants: A triple win for government, migrant workers and employers

    26 July 2017

    The International Labour Organization calls for collaboration and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders to ensure skills training and recognition for migrant workers.

  5. © ILO / Apex Image 2022
    ILO launches new fair migration project for the Middle East

    07 September 2016

    The project will promote fair migration and address forced labour and trafficking, focusing on the domestic and construction work sectors.

  6. Bahrain: Decree 79 aims at ending sponsor system

    31 August 2009

    In 2009, Bahrain adopted the strongest sponsorship reform in the region by permitting migrant workers to change employment without their employer’s consent and in the absence of allegations of nonpayment of wages or abuse. Majeed al Alawi, the minister of labor in Bahrain, likened the kafala (sponsorship) system to slavery when justifying the reform.