Key Terms
What is a “migrant”
people who move away from their usual place of residence, either within their own country or across an international border, for a variety of reasons like finding work, joining family, or escaping disasters
Name one common challenge migrant workers face
Low wages, unsafe working conditions, or lack of legal protection.
What is one way governments can protect migrant workers?
By enforcing fair labor laws and work permits.
What is Human Trafficking?
Recruitment/transportation of people for exploitation.
Define “wage theft” in one sentence
Wage theft is the unlawful practice where employers fail to pay workers their full legal wages, such as by withholding pay, denying overtime, or underpaying.
Why are migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation?
They often lack legal status, awareness of rights, or bargaining power.
How can employers ensure fair treatment of migrant workers?
By paying fair wages, providing safe conditions, and respecting contracts.
What is an example of a barrier that migrants face
lack of documents, language, high costs, fear of deportation.
What is “exploitation”?
Exploitation is taking unfair advantage of someone’s work, resources, or vulnerability for personal benefit.
What is one way lack of legal status affect migrant workers?
denies healthcare and education / It prevents them from reporting abuse or accessing legal protections.
Name one NGO or organization that supports migrant workers
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Which system used in Gulf countries is often described as “modern slavery” for migrant workers?
What does “social protection” include for workers?
social insurance (such as unemployment, sickness, and disability benefits, and pensions), social assistance (like cash transfers for the poor), and labor market programs (which cover things like job training and employment subsidies
How does language barrier create problems for migrant workers?
It limits their ability to access services, and defend their rights.
What role does awareness-raising play in protection?
It informs workers of their rights and helps prevent exploitation.
What percentage of the global population has adequate social coverage
29%
Explain the difference between a “refugee” and a “migrant worker.”
a refugee is forced to flee their home due to persecution, war, or violence, while a migrant worker moves to another country voluntarily for economic reasons, often for a specific job
Why is family separation a major issue for migrant workers?
It causes emotional stress and can harm children’s development.
What is an example of a long-term policy solution to improve migrant worker rights globally
Strengthening international agreements, creating bilateral labor protections, or integrating migrant workers into social protection systems.
Which part of the UDHR does discrimination against migrants violate
Article 7