Lost in transit: Philippines migrant fishers in the United Kingdom fishing industry

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has long been committed to promoting decent work and protecting rights at work worldwide. This working paper looks into the critical issues, which Filipino migrant fishers face in the UK fishing sector. It is a comprehensive examination of their contributions, challenges, and the regulatory landscape that impacts their working conditions produced under the Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia.

This paper highlights the importance of bilateral discussions between the United Kingdom and the Philippines to ensure a rights-based approach to labour migration governance throughout the migration cycle of migrant fishers. It calls for the harmonization of model work contracts and proactive communication of policy changes to relevant stakeholders. Extending labour protections to all migrant fishers, irrespective of visa status, and ensuring compliance with international labour standards are crucial steps towards safeguarding their rights.

The recommendations provided in this paper aim to address the current challenges and vulnerabilities in the UK fishing industry. They emphasize the importance of ratifying and implementing international labour standards, improving data collection, and developing sector-specific work visas to address barriers to eligibility. For the Philippine Government, strengthening bilateral discussions and revising standard work contracts are essential to guarantee the highest level of labour protections for Filipino migrant fishers.