Strong migration and labour systems are essential to reducing the vulnerability of migrant workers to trafficking, forced labour and exploitation.
Through a grant partnership with the Labour Rights Promotion Network Foundation (LPN), the Australian Government-funded ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program supported research examining the experiences of migrant workers in Thailand’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The research explores how labour migration pathways, recruitment practices, employment conditions and access to services can influence workers’ vulnerability to exploitation. By generating evidence on the opportunities and risks facing migrant workers, the study contributes to policy dialogue on strengthening labour protections, improving migration governance and reducing trafficking risks in border and economic development areas.
The findings provide practical insights for government, civil society and private sector stakeholders seeking to ensure economic growth is accompanied by safe migration pathways, decent work and stronger safeguards for vulnerable workers.