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| Officials attended the 2nd ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Safe and Fair Labor Migration from July 4-7 in the Philippines. (Source: ASEAN) |
The 2nd ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Safe and Fair Labor Migration, and the launch of the ASEAN Safe and Fair Migration Campaign, were held from July 4-7 in the Philippines.
Over 70 policymakers, activists, and representatives from international organizations attended the event to discuss ways to better protect the rights of 7.1 million ASEAN migrant workers in the region and promote their valuable contributions to sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the event, Philippine Secretary of Migrant Labor Susan V. Ople noted the crucial role of information and education in empowering millions of migrant workers in the region.
Philippine Undersecretary of Labour and Employment Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, who also chairs the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Labour (SLOM), emphasized the importance of labor migration in expanding employment opportunities for ASEAN citizens and boosting the economies of member states.
Ms. Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the Asia- Pacific region, emphasized: “With the resumption of labor migration activities after the pandemic, it is crucial to enhance information and services to help ensure safe and fair migration.”
EU Ambassador to ASEAN Igor Driesmans stated that migration is an important part of development, contributing to global economic growth and poverty reduction. The increase in labor migration necessitates a pressing need to prioritize safety and fairness.
Sarah Arriola, Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the Asia-Pacific region, stated that labor migration in the region is reaching pre-pandemic levels. This necessitates further development of regional labor migration management systems to maximize the contribution of migrants to overall socio-economic recovery and growth.
The 2nd ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Safe and Fair Labour Migration is a forum for ASEAN and EU officials to share knowledge and perspectives on effective strategies to support the welfare of migrant workers and their families. This dialogue is part of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Labour (SLOM) on the Mid-Term Review and Strategic Planning for the ASEAN Labour Ministers' Five-Year Work Programme 2021-2025, held in Boracay, Philippines.
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