What Are the Rights of Migrant Workers?

immigration law

The Rights of migrants are universal human rights. Yet, the rights of migrants are frequently violated. Migrants are subjected to violence, poverty, and lack of opportunity. These problems are not only social but also legal. The International Labor Organization and the United Nations system have both declared the rights of migrants.

However, the question is what are the rights of migrants? If we look at the situation of worker exploitation in the major societies in the world today, we can find that the working conditions of many foreign laborers in different parts of the globe are degrading. In the US, for example, the exploitation of immigrant workers continues unabated.

Freedom of movement

The basic right of every human being is freedom of movement. This is the right that ensures that the person does not become a slave in his own country. The movement of people should be facilitated without any violation, harassment, or discrimination. The right to work is what enables people to earn a living. But if they cannot find a job in the fields they have selected, they face the threat of being subjected to forced labor or of becoming a crime statistic.

migrant workers

Not to be exploited

In addition, the right to work is what separates a worker from the rest of the population. The exploitation of worker’s rights leads to a clash between the aspirations of the worker and the needs of the employers. This often leads to worker incarceration.

The failure of the international community to support the rights of migrant workers highlights the dilemma faced by the world economy. Economic growth and development depend on the free flow of cheap labor. If this flow is stopped for any reason, the impact on the countries reliant on the export of labor power will be devastating. These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and many others. This means that the failure to promote the rights of workers in the context of migration will adversely affect the entire global economy.

If the employer decides to exploit the worker in question, then it becomes a crime against humanity, irrespective of the country in which the worker lives. This crime can only be stopped with the active support of the United Nations and its relevant agencies such as the World Trade Organization. However, the failure to come up with a consistent and steadfast approach to what are the rights of workers in different countries will jeopardize the possibility of a global solution to the problem. This should be regulated through the implementation of immigration law.

The right to know what are the rights of migrant workers

Migrant workers have the right to know what are the rights of migrants. They also have the right to protection and security of life. A worker should have access to all the assistance provided under the law and the legal protection available to him/her, and this may not be offered to him/her unless the worker is prepared to work in dangerous conditions for a longer period of time. A worker should have the freedom to choose where he wants to work, his choice should not be disrupted by an employer who decides to relocate the worker across the world without prior consultation with the worker or his representative.

The laws that are applicable to the workers in question should also be adhered to. For example, the rights of a child are different from that of an adult. Therefore, the same laws that apply to adult workers will also apply to child workers. Where the law of a country does not apply to a particular worker, this should be taken into consideration when applying for work in another country. For example, if a Malaysian worker is trapped in China and denied entry out of fear for his life, he has the right to seek refuge in the embassy of Malaysia.