Policy Paper: Solutions to Achieve Fair and Ethical Recruitment and Decent Work of Migrant Workers in Thailand during COVID-19 Recovery

The Policy Paper: Solutions to Achieve Fair and Ethical Recruitment and Decent Work of Migrant Workers in Thailand during COVID-19 Recovery has been developed through a robust, multi-stakeholder consultative process on evidence-based policy recommendations. The consultations were held by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour (MOL), the Ministry of Justice, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) between November 2020 and June 2021.

The paper includes consolidated inputs from 78 key stakeholders consulted during the four processes. It was then reviewed by partner organizations from the United Nations, the private sector, and civil society and presented to counterparts from both Ministries in Mid-January 2022.

This paper documents the outcomes of the public–private consultations aimed to identify gaps, challenges and opportunities in the design, enforcement and monitoring of policies, processes and procedures related to labour migration for lower-waged migrant workers in Thailand. By doing so, it aims to provide the Royal Thai Government with guidance to inform the review, development and implementation of evidence-based policies that are consistent with its commitments in global frameworks and inter-state coordination mechanisms such as the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. 

The paper consists of four sections: (1) Where does Thailand stand? Outlines progress made and remaining barriers towards achieving fair and ethical recruitment and decent work of migrant workers; (2) Why should the Government act now? Explains key gains for Thailand from promoting better protection of migrant workers; (3) How can existing obstacles be addressed? Provides recommendations from stakeholders consulted during the development of this paper; and (4) Final Conclusions.

For more information, please visit IOM Thailand.