Human resources ministry secretary-general Azman Yusof, who opened the 18th Asean Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML), said migrant workers were the “lifeblood” of Asean economies, with over seven million intra-Asean migrants fuelling growth and social development across the region.

However, he warned that many continued to face forced labour, exploitative recruitment practices, poor working conditions and high remittance costs, adding that female workers were especially vulnerable to abuse and gender-based violence.

“The challenges before us are complex, but our collective commitment to the principles enshrined in the Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, the Asean Consensus, and indeed, the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, remains unwavering.

“The forum is not merely a platform for discussion; it is a catalyst for action,” he said in his speech today.

Azman said the forum would then seek to produce recommendations for member states to strengthen protections for migrant workers and enhance cooperation.

“We also seek to identify and disseminate best practices and, crucially, to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships under a ‘whole-of-government and whole-of-society’ approach,” he added.

The 18th AFML, which runs today and tomorrow, is themed “Accelerating Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Safe Migration and Decent Work for Migrant Workers in Asean”.

The forum brings together governments, employers, unions, civil society groups and international partners to discuss strategies under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).