Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe migration for decent work in the blue economy

The blue economy is an important source of employment in South-East Asia. In 2020, Asia was home to more than 19 million fish farmers and 30 million fishers and accounted for 84% of all people employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sector worldwide.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, and in some cases, led to regression in working conditions in the blue economy. Fisheries and aquaculture production relying on export markets were particularly impacted. Domestic fresh fish and seafood supply was also severely impacted by the closure of the food service sector. The negative impacts of the pandemic were significantly worsened for migrant fishers due to substantial gaps in their realization of fundamental principles and rights at work and access to social protection. In the post-pandemic period, new contextual challenges and opportunities have emerged, highlighting the need for sustained intervention and support on labour standards and migration governance in the blue economy.

The project builds on the achievements of the Ship to Shore Rights Thailand (2016-2020); the South East Asia regional programme on labour migration on the fishing sector (Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia), and the extensive experience of ILO, IOM and FAO in the region. The new programme will consolidate and further advance positive achievements by deepening engagement with Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand on sectoral issues; include aquaculture to ensure a comprehensive coverage of fish and seafood production in the blue economy; and expand to Malaysia, a top marine capture fisheries producer country and a country of destination for migrant workers. Collaboration with ASEAN will also contribute in broader terms to strengthening labour migration governance in South-East Asia.