Migrant workers

Consultations with Labour Attachés and Consular Officials in Malaysia on the Protection of Migrant Workers

In 2012, the ILO and the Bar Council Malaysia (BCM) Sub-Committee on Migrants, Refugees and Immigration Affairs collaborated in initiating and organizing a series of consultations for labour attachés and consular officials working in diplomatic missions of countries that deploy migrant workers to Malaysia.

One important measure for countries of origin in migration management and the protection of migrant workers is the appointment of labour attachés or consular officials in major countries of destination. As the first point of contact for migrant workers seeking assistance abroad, labour attachés and consular officials are required to vet prospective employers and contracts, respond to grievances and disputes, and facilitate the repatriation of citizens. In 2012, the ILO and the Bar Council Malaysia (BCM) Sub-Committee on Migrants, Refugees and Immigration Affairs collaborated in initiating and organizing a series of consultations for labour attachés and consular officials working in diplomatic missions of countries that deploy migrant workers to Malaysia. The practice has been replicated in Thailand, and has been shared with the relevant stakeholders in Singapore. This summary of discussions from the six consultations can serve as a reminder of the discussions and the recommendations, so that follow up action can be taken.