Philippines: ASEAN Pushes for Fair and Safe Labour Migration
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Acting Minister of Labour of the Philippines Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio stated that ASEAN is committed to advancing fair and safe labour migration through regional dialogue.
“As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is committed to advancing fair, orderly, safe, and regular labour migration through dialogue, cooperation, and regional initiatives that uphold the rights and dignity of migrants, including their families,” Bitonio said in the official statement for ASEAN 2026 received in Jakarta on Sunday (3/5).
Meanwhile, Minister for Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the Philippines is committed to leading ASEAN efforts to place migrant workers at the centre of policy.
“The Philippines continues to lead ASEAN efforts to place migrant workers at the centre of policy, strengthening protection, preparedness, and regional cooperation in an increasingly complex mobility landscape,” he said.
Representatives from ASEAN member countries attended the ASEAN High-Level Roundtable Meeting themed “Migration at the Crossroads: Advancing Solution-Oriented Regional Cooperation in Southeast Asia”.
The meeting was organised by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Labour and Employment of the Philippines together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with support from the ASEAN Secretariat.
Discussions focused on protecting the rights of migrant workers and strengthening regional cooperation to ensure access to safe and orderly labour migration pathways.
These efforts align with the theme of ASEAN 2026 under Philippine leadership, “Navigating the Future Together.”
Participants underscored that mobility in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly complex due to interconnected megatrends.
These factors include economic growth, demographic shifts, rapid urbanisation, digital transformation, and various other shocks.
In 2024, more than 24 million international migrants originated from ASEAN member countries. Meanwhile, ASEAN hosts around 11 million international migrants, including 7 million intra-ASEAN migrants. This data highlights the high interconnectedness of mobility in the region.
Labour migration remains one of the most significant migration dynamics in ASEAN.
The discussions also highlighted the impact of global developments on migrant workers, their families, and communities.
Therefore, a coordinated, protection-oriented, and forward-looking regional response is needed, according to the official statement.
ASEAN also affirmed that migration can be a driver of development if managed well. This includes expanding safe and orderly pathways, enhancing mobility, and developing skills.
In addition, strengthening protection and improving access to information, services, and support systems are required.
ASEAN also agreed to strengthen protection systems and mainstream fair and ethical recruitment standards.
Other steps include ensuring access to complaint and compensation mechanisms.
Furthermore, member countries support safe repatriation and sustainable reintegration. Member countries are also exploring ways to strengthen multilateral and bilateral partnerships.
These partnerships involve governments, development partners, and other stakeholders.
Further discussions emphasised the importance of future-ready and risk-based migration governance.
Meanwhile, the IOM reaffirmed its commitment as a long-term partner to ASEAN and highlighted the cross-sectoral nature of migration issues.
The meeting was held ahead of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) and the 48th ASEAN Summit.
This forum is also part of the agenda of the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials’ Meeting (SLOM) in the 2026-2030 Action Plan for migrant worker protection.