Social Protection for Migrant Workers: National and International Policy Challenges

Abstract

In the current global context, many migrant workers, and in particular women and irregular workers, are not - or are very inadequately - covered by social security and other social protection programmes. Current human rights standards related to migrant workers and families have so far had little impact on this situation. This article first examines various national approaches to extending social security to migrant workers in low-, middle- and high-income countries, such as through affiliation to the social security systems in countries of employment and countries of origin. It then attempts to assess the impact of regional and other international migration and social security agreements, particularly within the European Union. It also explores the potential impact of wider ratification of ILO and UN Conventions on migrant workers, which would ensure basic social and labour protection, in particular for irregular migrant workers. The article concludes with some key policy challenges for the future, including for improved regional and global governance.