Publications on labour migration

April 2022

  1. Publication

    Understanding patterns of structural discrimination of migrant and other workers in some countries of South and West Asia

    19 April 2022

    This background paper reviews the literature that sheds light on the structural patterns of discrimination against migrant workers in some countries of South and West Asia. It also articulates recommendations that would help officials in UN agencies, international organizations, constituents and other civil society individuals and groups, while referring to the existing evidence of structural discrimination to support the application of international labour standards.

October 2020

  1. Research brief

    Migration cost survey among Indonesian and Filipina domestic workers in Malaysia

    22 October 2020

    This research brief presents the findings of the survey on migration cost of Indonesian and Filipina domestic workers in Malaysia. The survey is guided by the ILO’s 2019 General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment and Definition of Recruitment Fees and Related Costs and builds on previous studies conducted by the World Bank-led Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD).

  2. Fact sheet

    ILO-FCDO Partnership programme on fair recruitment and decent work for women migrant workers in South Asia and the Middle East – Phase II - Project fact sheet

    15 October 2020

August 2020

  1. Publication

    UNAIDS calls on governments to strengthen HIV-sensitive social protection responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

    28 August 2020

    UNAIDS calls on governments to live up to their commitment to develop nationally owned and led social protection systems for all, including floors; and scale up and progressively enhance coverage, adequacy and comprehensiveness, thereby improving the responsiveness and quality of interventions to address the needs and vulnerabilities of people living with HIV.

June 2020

  1. Publication

    India - Rapid assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment

    16 June 2020

    This rapid assessment considers the likely impact of the COVID crisis on enterprises and livelihoods and incomes of workers – regular and non-regular, protected and unprotected. It checks the policy responses to the economic crisis and examines initiatives to protect both enterprises and workers, especially the most vulnerable.

  2. ILO/UN Women

    Protecting the rights of domestic workers in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

    16 June 2020

    This note explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic workers in Malaysia. It highlights the requirements of migrant domestic workers in light of the existing and emerging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and makes recommendations to protect the rights of domestic workers in Malaysia.

  3. ILO/UN Women

    COVID-19 and women migrant workers in ASEAN

    04 June 2020

    This brief explores the multi-dimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women migrant workers in and from the ASEAN region. While women migrant workers in the ASEAN region strive to protect their livelihoods and their health, COVID-19 has presented them with a health crisis, compounded by detrimental impacts on freedom from violence and harassment, employment, income, social protection, access to services, and access to justice. This brief outlines the critical programmatic and policy responses needed. ILO-UN Women Safe and Fair Programme, as part of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, is committed to ensuring women migrant workers’ rights are protected and they receive support when and where they need it.

February 2018

  1. Publication

    Policy Brief on Common Myths and Facts about Domestic Work

    08 February 2018

    The policy brief includes related facts and recommended laws, policies and practices drawing on the experience of the Work in Freedom Programme.

November 2017

  1. Publication

    Persisting servitude and gradual shifts towards recognition and dignity of labour

    22 November 2017

    A study of employers of domestic workers in Delhi and Mumbai, India.

October 2017

  1. Publication

    FAIR SHARE? International recruitment in the Philippines

    24 October 2017

    This working paper brings together evidence on the culture and practice of fair recruitment for overseas employment in the Philippines.