Migrant worker leaders push for stronger protections and greater voice in policy decisions

Migrant worker leaders from across Asia and Africa have called for a greater role in shaping migration policy, warning how those most vulnerable to exploitation are too often excluded from decisions affecting their lives.

The issue was a key focus of the Migrant Workers Festival hosted by the Global Migrant Workers Network in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Migrant worker leaders, advocates, and civil society organisations explored how worker-led solutions can strengthen protections and help prevent exploitation.

Conversations focused on the leadership and lived experience that migrant workers bring to the decisions affecting their lives.

Music, storytelling, and community visits highlighted the role culture and connection play in strengthening movements and supporting worker-led change.

Founder of Mwagale Foundation and Chairperson of the Global Migrant Workers Network Leadership Council, Ndagire Joanita Joshira, highlighted the importance of ensuring workers have a seat at the table when decisions are made.

“People often think migrant workers only care about earning money, but we also care deeply about the development of both our home countries and the countries where we work,” she said.

“If migrant workers are part of decision making, you’ll see the best of humanity because we support each other, simply because we are all human.”

More than half of all people living in modern slavery are in G20 countries, which account for 85 per cent of global trade and import almost US$500 billion worth of goods at high risk of modern slavery each year.

Executive Director and Co-founder of Shramik Sanjal, Bhim Shrestha, reflected on the realities many migrant workers face throughout the migration journey and the changes needed to protect workers’ rights better.

“As a migrant worker, I have often felt isolated, disconnected and far away from home, even though every person needs community and a sense of belonging,” he said.

“Migrant workers should not have to pay recruitment fees, have their passports confiscated, or work in poor conditions simply to earn a living.”

Walk Free continues to call for action, which puts workers and survivors at the centre of efforts to prevent modern slavery, including:

Founder of Al-Farouk Humanitarian Foundation and Chairperson of the African Diaspora Association, Abubakar Umar Faruq, shared how migrant workers are too often defined by the challenges they face rather than the contributions they make to societies around the world.

“Migrant workers are very hard-working people. They move from one country to another with the passion to help build communities, contribute to economies, and create opportunities for their families,” he said.

A consistent message throughout the festival was how the most effective solutions are built with migrant workers, not for them.