Online discussion on access and portability of Social Protection for Migrant Workers from 11 – 22 March 2013

During our two week discussion, we'll be looking at the significant gaps in social protection for migrant workers and how these gaps can be filled.

Noticia | 11 de marzo de 2013

It is clear that people who cross borders for work can face multiple disadvantages for a range of reasons, including lack of information about conditions in host countries, language difficulties, discrimination and social exclusion, lack of collaborative agreements between governments and lack of coverage under labour laws. The territoriality nature of social security systems, designed in times where labour was mostly confined within the boundaries of one country, and the various requirements associated with entitlements (such as nationality and minimum qualifying period of contributions) create particular hurdles for migrant workers to avail of their rights.

Exclusion from social protection benefits enjoyed by national workers is a key disadvantage for these migrant workers. Given the weak coordination between the systems of various countries, the more a worker moves across borders, the more vulnerable she or he becomes, facing the complexities of as many national systems. Migrant workers can end up supporting the welfare system for permanent residents and citizens; whilst experiencing loss of wages and denial of entitled accrued benefits upon returning to their country of origin.

Access to and portability of social protection entitlements are key issues for a global labour force moving across borders.

During our two week discussion, we'll be looking at the significant gaps in social protection for migrant workers and how these gaps can be filled.

Attached herewith is the background paper prepared by our discussion moderator Mr Manolo Abella for your reference. You may also access the paper by following this link: http://apmagnet.ilo.org/discussions

For further information please contact:


Ms Catherine Vaillancourt-Laflamme
Chief Technical Adviser
ILO-Decent Work Across Borders Project
CO-Manila
19th Floor Yuchengco Tower
RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue
1200 Makati City, Philippines
Tel: +632 580 9900 or 580 9917
Email

Ms Jennifer Dela Rosa
National Project Coordinator
ILO-Decent Work Across Borders Project
CO-Manila
19th Floor Yuchengco Tower
RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue
1200 Makati City, Philippines
Tel: +632 580 9900 or 580 9906
Email


Ms Seeta Sharma
ILO DWT for South Asia and Country Office for India
Core 4B, 3rd Floor
India Habitat Centre
Lodhi Road
New Delhi-110003
India
Tel: +91 11 4750 9200
Fax: +91 11 2460 2111
Email