Malaysia Committed To Strengthening Rights Of Migrant Workers’ In ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) — Migrant workers are the lifeblood of ASEAN economies as they contribute immensely to the region’s growth and development, Human Resources Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, said.

With an estimated seven million intra-ASEAN migrants, the migrant workers’ contributions fuel economic growth and enhance social development across the region, shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

“Migrant workers are the lifeblood of our economies, contributing immensely to the growth and development of both their host nations and their home countries,” he said when opening the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) here today.

The two-day forum carries the theme ‘Accelerating Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Safe Migration and Decent Work for Migrant Workers in ASEAN.’

Azman acknowledged that despite their contributions, many migrant workers continue to face challenges such as forced labour, precarious conditions, exploitation by unscrupulous agents, and high recruitment and remittance costs.

“This situation demands an immediate and intensified commitment to enhancing access to decent work and protecting the rights of all migrant workers,” he said.

He also noted that Malaysia has taken steps to strengthen protection for foreign workers, including extending invalidity schemes under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) coverage to foreign workers.

“These measures underscore Malaysia’s dedication to upholding the rights and welfare of migrant workers, demonstrating our resolve to create a fair and inclusive labour market for all,” he said.

The AFML serves as an important platform for ASEAN member states, employers’ and workers’ organisations, civil society groups and international partners to discuss strategies in advancing migrant workers’ rights.

This year’s discussions focus on two sub-themes – creating safe and secure environments free from forced labour, and reducing recruitment and remittance costs.

The forum, hosted by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, through the Ministry of Human Resources, with cooperation from ASEAN Secretariat, International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Women, and the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers (TFAMW), with support from donor partners – Australia, Canada and Switzerland.

This forum is part of the ASEAN Committee on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) Action Plan 2018–2025, which aims to implement the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (Cebu Declaration) and the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers.

Recommendations from the 18th AFML will provide inputs for the ACMW and shape a regional action plan to be tabled at the upcoming ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting.

— BERNAMA

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