International Labour Migration - A rights-based approach

There are almost 200 million migrants in the world today. The majority of people leaving their home countries are migrating for work and almost half of them are women. The contribution of these workers is evident, yet many work in unacceptable conditions, denied access to social protection and their labour rights. With its mandate on all labour issues, the ILO has built up a wealth of knowledge on migration for employment, in terms of both original research and the rich experience of its Members – governments, employers and trade unions – in dealing with migrant workers. Drawing on these unique resources, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of international labour migration and the ILO's efforts to protect migrant workers through a rights-based approach. This book gives new insights into the factors that motivate people to seek work outside their country of origin and the significant development effects on both origin and destination countries. Exposing the often limited access of migrant workers to their fundamental rights at work, the book describes in detail the international norms that have evolved to protect migrant workers and ensure decent work for all. It reflects on existing and potential international governance structures and addresses linkages between migration and development. The book reviews the ILO's Multilateral Framework on Labour Migration and discusses its role in improving policy-making and upgrading international cooperation in the area of labour migration.

Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction Part I. International labour migration: Overview and analysis 1. Labour migration in a globalizing world 2. Migration: Growth and development impacts in countries of origin and destination 3. Conditions of work and treatment of migrant workers Part II. International labour migration: Towards better governance 4. International standards on labour migration 5. Migration policies and governance 6. International cooperation Part III. Conclusions and future directions 7. Conclusions and the way forward Bibliography Appendices Index Tables Figures Boxes