Migrant Forum in Asia

13/03/2026

31 million migrant workers at risk as conflict in Middle East escalates

More than 31 million migrant workers in the Middle East face growing risks as conflict escalates following US-Israeli military operations in Iran. Many migrant workers, particularly in low-wage sectors such as construction, domestic work, and hospitality, are vulnerable due to limited access to shelters, evacuation channels, and reliable information during emergencies. The Kafala system, which ties workers’ legal status to employers, further restricts their mobility and ability to seek safety. Reports indicate that some workers have been injured or stranded due to suspended flights, while others face risks of wage withholding or dismissal without compensation amid the crisis. In response, labour and human rights groups have called on governments, companies, and international organizations to ensure emergency protection, access to shelters, full wage payments, safe repatriation, and an immediate ceasefire.

Millions of migrant workers across the Middle East face growing risks to their safety as conflict escalates following US and Israeli military operations in Iran, Israeli strikes in Lebanon, and violence that has spread into neighbouring countries. Civil society groups warn that migrant workers - man...

13/03/2026

EU Urged to Put Migrant Worker Rights at Center of Thailand Trade Talks

Human Rights Watch says ongoing EU–Thailand free trade negotiations present a key opportunity to improve migrant worker protections, but warns that stronger and more binding commitments are needed. The group highlights that migrant workers in Thailand still face major restrictions, including being barred from forming labour unions and the country’s failure to ratify key International Labour Organization conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining. While EU trade agreements usually include provisions on labour rights and sustainable development, these commitments are often vague and lack clear timelines, allowing reforms to be delayed. HRW urges the EU to learn from past trade deals, such as with Vietnam, where promised labour reforms were not fully implemented, and instead push for time-bound labour reforms, enforceable penalties, and technical support to help Thailand strengthen protections and improve working conditions for millions of migrant workers.

Since the European Union signed trade agreements with Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, and with India – both in January – it has been eyeing the swift conclusion of free trade agreements with Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

13/03/2026

Bangladeshi Migrants Struggle as War Disrupts Life in Lebanon

Bangladeshi migrant workers in Lebanon are facing worsening hardship due to intensified conflict and Israeli airstrikes, which have disrupted jobs, delayed wages, and forced many to flee their homes for safer areas. Construction and other work have halted in heavily bombed neighbourhoods, leaving migrants stranded without income and relying on credit for food and basic needs. With around 100,000 Bangladeshi workers in the country, migrant community leaders estimate thousands have already become displaced or jobless as violence escalates and prices of essentials rise. Although NGOs and the Bangladesh embassy are providing limited support and urging workers to relocate to safer locations, there is currently no evacuation plan, and many migrants remain uncertain about their safety and future while hoping to return home once the situation stabilizes.



https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/migrants-woes-mount-war-hit-lebanon-4126791

13/03/2026

Oman to Launch Mandatory Savings Scheme for Expat Workers in 2027

Oman has announced that it will introduce a mandatory savings scheme for expatriate workers starting in 2027 as part of broader social-protection reforms aimed at improving financial security and labour market resilience. Under the plan, employers will contribute 9% of an expatriate employee’s basic salary to a regulated savings programme that workers can access at the end of their employment, potentially replacing or complementing the traditional end-of-service gratuity system. The initiative forms part of a phased reform package to be rolled out between 2026 and 2028, which also includes sick-leave insurance (requiring a 1% salary contribution from 2026) and work-injury insurance (also 1% contribution, planned for 2028). Authorities say the measures aim to strengthen Oman’s social security framework, enhance worker welfare, and create a more transparent and structured system for expatriate employee benefits.

Oman is set to launch a mandatory savings scheme for expatriate workers in 2027, requiring employers to allocate 9% of salaries to a savings program. This initiative aims to enhance financial security and replace traditional end-of-service gratuity.

13/03/2026

Indian Workers Continue Gulf Migration Despite Escalating West Asia Conflict

Despite escalating conflict in West Asia, many Indian workers are still pursuing migration plans to Gulf countries, driven mainly by economic pressures and the need to support their families. Long queues continue at visa processing centres, with applicants already holding job contracts and required documents, showing strong commitment to working abroad. The significant wage gap between jobs in India and the Gulf remains a key motivation, as overseas employment often offers better pay, overtime benefits, insurance, and healthcare. Although flight disruptions and limited travel schedules have caused delays and some workers have returned home temporarily, recruitment activities remain ongoing due to continued labour demand in Gulf economies. Overall, the situation highlights how economic necessity and the urgency for stable income outweighs safety concerns for many migrant workers despite regional instability.

Despite rising West Asian tensions, queues at Gulf visa centres in Delhi remain steady as financial pressure and family responsibilities drive workers abroad. Applicants cite significant pay gaps and limited Indian job opportunities as primary motivators, believing conflicts eventually subside and t...

13/03/2026

How can regional cooperation better protect migrant workers along the Asia–Japan migration corridor?

At a recent ILO regional workshop in Bangkok, around 60 participants from 14 countries across Asia, including governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, recruitment agencies, civil society and international organizations, came together to share experiences and explore practical ways to strengthen protection for migrant workers.

Across the discussions, four priorities emerged: improving grievance mechanisms, empowering of migrant workers, promoting fair and ethical recruitment, and creating enabling environments for protection throughout the migration cycle.

A key outcome was the development of country-level action plans and new ideas for regional collaboration. Participants agreed to strengthen cooperation through a newly named regional network - AJ-PRIME: the Asia-Japan Platform on Migrant Workers’ Rights, Protection and Remedy - to support dialogue, share practices and advance solution across countries and sectors.

How can regional cooperation better protect migrant workers along the Asia–Japan migration corridor? At a recent ILO regional workshop in Bangkok, around 60 participants from 14 countries across Asia, including governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, recruitment agencies, civil soc...

06/03/2026

UK Labour's Settlement Reforms Risk Trapping Migrant Workers in Exploitation

Labour's immigration reforms will force migrants to spend up to a decade longer on employer-tied temporary visas before gaining settled status, increasing vulnerability to exploitation. Despite progress on employment rights, the government rejected key protections for seasonal workers and has underfunded enforcement, leaving debt bo***ge and abuse largely unchecked in agriculture, care, and beyond.

There’s a hole in the tarpaulin tent, letting in the winter breeze and rumbling of HGVs from the main road just metres away. The homeless…

06/03/2026

Spain's Mass Migrant Amnesty Overwhelms Immigration Offices Before It Even Begins

Spain's plan to legalise around 500,000 undocumented migrants between April and June 2026 is already straining immigration offices, with no additional budget or staff allocated. Officers are still processing applications from June 2025, and migrants are scrambling for information about unclear eligibility requirements. Spain needs roughly 2.4 million more social security contributors over the next decade to sustain its welfare state.



Read more:

As other European countries tighten their borders, Spain’s Socialist government has continued to champion migration.

06/03/2026

747 Cases of Abuse: Corporate Impunity Fuels Global Migrant Worker Exploitation in 2025

The Business and Human Rights Centre's 2026 analysis recorded 747 cases of alleged migrant worker abuse globally in 2025, linking nearly 600 companies across all major sectors. The report highlights a deepening accountability crisis, with climate change, conflict, and hostile migration policies enabling systemic exploitation and corporate impunity in global supply chains.

Check out this page via the Business and Human Rights Centre

05/03/2026

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓

‼️READ : 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓

05/03/2026

The first batch of stranded Filipinos in the UAE have left Dubai International Airport (DXB) via Emirates flight EK 336 at 6.07pm UAE time (10.07pm Philippine time) on Wednesday

Department of Migrant Workers welcomed the returnees, assuring them of financial, accommodation, transportation, medical and psycho-social assistance

05/03/2026

Additional 24/7 hotline for Indians announced by Indian embassy in Qatar. New hotline numbers: +97455647502 / +97455362508

Important Advisory