A lot of migrant workers lack basic social protection rights, said Vice President Myint Swe in his opening address the celebration of International Migrants Day at Myanmar International Convention Centre 2 in Nay Pyi Taw on December 18.
"Migrants workers are beneficial for both the two countries involved. But there are a lot of migrant workers who receive little fundamental social protection. There are also those who do not get benefits though they pay for social security funds. It is important for them to enjoy safe travelling, social protection and well social treatment," said the Vice President.
He said taking illegal routes to migration carries the possibility of people landing in dangerous work environments, exploitation, unfulfilled rights and opportunities, human trafficking, forced labour and insufficient pay.
According to figures from 2013, there were about 150 million international migrant workers across the world. The number increased to about 164 million in December 2018. The number is expected to reach about 272 million in 2019.
From the good perspective, the Vice President said worker migration could produce benefits such as socio-economic growth, increased knowledge, appropriate income, more job opportunities, increased GDP rate through remittance of income for families, increased income tax and social cohesion.
