KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia successfully hosted the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML), which concluded last Wednesday after two days of discussions on strengthening protection and promoting decent work for migrant workers across the region.
The forum with the theme “Accelerating Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Safe Migration and Decent Work for Migrant Workers in ASEAN”, was organised by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), and reaffirmed the important role of migrant workers in supporting economic and social development in the region.
“Representatives from ASEAN member states, workers’ and employers’ groups, civil society organisations and international partners and observers from Australia, Canada and Switzerland took part as donor partners, reflecting strong international support for ASEAN’s efforts on labour migration,” the ministry said in a statement today.
During the forum, participants exchanged views and shared best practices on fair recruitment, social protection, occupational safety and health, as well as access to skills development and came up with a set of recommendations to guide ASEAN members in advancing the protection of migrant workers’ rights through stronger cooperation.
The recommendations included eliminating forced labour through stronger law enforcement, protection measures and accessible grievance channels; reducing recruitment fees and related costs by promoting transparency and ethical recruitment practices; and enhancing occupational safety and health standards for migrant workers in all sectors.
Other recommendations included expanding access to social dialogue, freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as strengthening financial inclusion and lowering remittance costs through safer and more affordable transfer systems.
The forum reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with regional stakeholders, the ministry said, adding that the next AFML will be hosted by the Philippines in 2026.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
