Decent Work, Youth Employment and Migration In Asia

Abstract

This paper on is the first in-depth and comprehensive study on the situation of youth migration issues in Asia. It discusses migration trends and issues concerning young people in Asia - a region hosting more than 60 per cent of world’s youth population and one third of the global number of young migrants. It first outlines some methodological issues in understanding the nexus between decent work, internal and international migration, and causes of youth migration pressures. It highlights the large gaps between migration aspirations and actual migration experiences. Drawing on a variety of primary and secondary data sources, he highlights the profile of young Asian migrant workers, their working conditions and protection issues in major destination countries in Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Australia and New Zealand. The study finds that there are not any major differences between the experiences of both adult and young female and male migrant workers. Both groups face exploitation and poor working conditions in destination countries. However, young migrants are more vulnerable given their lack of information, experience, and coping mechanisms. A sizeable number are in forced labour situations, especially in Gulf countries, Malaysia and Thailand. The multi-billion dollar Thai fishing industry is a good example of abuse and exploitation of young migrant workers from neighbouring poor countries. The paper points out that there are few programmes or policies in origin or destination countries that directly address the specific issues faced by youth migrants and their specific vulnerabilities. Some countries have special youth programmes which make no references to migration. Likewise, employment promotion policies and programmes and specific migration policies and programmes (where available) rarely consider the situation of young migrant workers. The study provides some suggestions on designing or improving effective policies and strategies to meet the youth employment and migration challenges and serve to promote decent work for migrant youth and their families in the Asia-Pacific region