Publications on domestic work

  1. Publication

    Policy review on social security for domestic workers in Thailand

    28 April 2023

    In contemporary society, care work at home is vital for the economy outside the household to function. Domestic work, nonetheless, is undervalued and poorly regulated, and many domestic workers remain overworked, underpaid, and unprotected. Notions of family and “non-productive” work divert attention from the existence of an employment relationship. This renders domestic workers vulnerable to unequal treatment and means they are usually excluded from employment-based social protection mechanisms. Thus, a crucial component of achieving decent work for domestic workers lies in the recognition that domestic workers are workers, whether they work in a family, are placed in a private household by an agency or are employed in a public or private institution.

  2. Publication

    Guidance note: Wage protection for migrant workers

    27 April 2023

  3. Domestic Workers

    Making the right to social security a reality for domestic workers: A global review of policy trends, statistics and extension strategies

    13 June 2022

    This ILO report provides data on social protection deficits experienced by domestic workers and identifies the barriers standing in the way of their effective social protection coverage.

  4. Executive summary

    Making the right to social security a reality for domestic workers: A global review of policy trends, statistics and extension strategies [Executive summary]

    13 June 2022

    This ILO report provides data on social protection deficits experienced by domestic workers and identifies the barriers standing in the way of their effective social protection coverage.

  5. Publication

    Behavioural insights in employers’ choice of recruitment services for domestic work

    04 April 2022

    The ILO launched a campaign based on behavioural science, in a bid to influence the market in Hong Kong towards greater demand for fair recruitment practices. This report presents the results of the randomised control trial that was designed and used to identify the most effective message frame to trigger the behaviour of employers of domestic workers in Hong Kong (China) and influence their choice of private recruitment agencies when hiring foreign domestic workers.

  6. Publication

    Guidance on occupational safety and health for domestic workers and employers to prevent and mitigate COVID-19

    21 January 2022

  7. ILO Brief

    Intervention Model: For extending social protection to migrant domestic workers

    08 November 2021

  8. Publication

    Extending Social Protection to Migrant Workers, Refugees, and their Families: Guide for Policymakers and Practitioners

    08 November 2021

    This new ILO global Guide provides an overview of policy options and country practices to extend social protection to migrant workers, refugees and their families.

  9. TRIANGLE in ASEAN

    Implementation of recommendations from the 3rd to 12th ASEAN Forums on Migrant Labour (AFML)

    18 August 2021

    Progress review background paper for the 13th AFML

  10. TRIANGLE in ASEAN

    Supporting migrant workers during the pandemic for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community

    18 August 2021

    Thematic background paper for the 13th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour