PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANT WORKERS The Role of LABOR ATTACHES Labor Attaches Communication Forum October 5, 2012 Grand Ambassador Hotel Seoul, Korea

Rational  Performs functions of a DIPLOMAT  Appointed by the Head of Department/ Ministry  Is assigned with a RANK  Is governed by protocol/ precedence  Functions as a country-team  Is accorded diplomatic immunity

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES  Protection of Migrant Workers  Employment Development & Promotion  Policy Development and Advice  Promotion of Good Relations

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES Protection of Migrant Workers Protecting Workers’ Rights To safeguard workers’ rights, upholding his or her dignity as a person/worker (fair treatment) To ensure that he or she is not exploited or discriminated To help in cases of inhuman and unsafe conditions To ensure that rights and well-being of women migrant workers are protected To provide legal assistance and counseling

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES Protection of Migrant Workers Provide Assistance in Employment To provide assistance on all matters pertaining to the employment of a worker To certify that the employment confirms with laws and regulations To ascertain that employer is qualified and that terms of employment are fair and just To assist in the recovery of claims/ benefits To help when violation of contract occurs

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES Protection of Migrant Workers Perform Advocacy Work To assist a worker with adequate information relative to his/her employment To provide counsel or advice with regards to his/her employment and work including how to cordially deal with employers

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES Protection of Migrant Workers Provide Documentation To provide proper documentation to migrant workers To assist in the repatriation of workers, when necessary To ensure help to the sick and injured To verify the background and job requirements of employers prior to recruitment and hiring of workers

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT Conduct Labor Market Research To conduct continuing studies and research on labor market development and trends To gather and analyze information on employment and new regulations To establish contacts with government agencies on policies affecting labor and employment

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT Undertake Employment Promotion To coordination with existing employers (sustaining demand levels) To link-up with industries, trade associations or chambers of commerce for possible new job opportunities To provide prospective employers with ready information on skills standards and availability To identify “entry” strategies for new skills

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT Facilitate the Employment Process To organize continuing on-site training and skills enhancement programs To provide employers with information on hiring procedures and requirements To simplify and facilitate the processing of documents needed for recruitment

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES POLICY ADVICE To monitor and classify cases handled To provide valuable insights on market trends To lend advise on formulation of legislation and policies for migrants To provide advice on how to be competitive To ensure that policies on migrants are gender sensitive To initiate negotiations for bilateral agreements To participate in global debates on migration

The ROLES/ FUNCTIONS of LABOR ATTACHES PROMOTION OF GOOD RELATIONS To participate in socio-cultural activities of the diaspora To hold regular dialogue with workers groups and organizations To communicate periodically with employers of workers To ensure adherence to conduct of diplomacy in dealing with the host government, international organizations and other entities.

Thank you For more information, please contact: MANUEL G. IMSON Project Coordinator, ASEAN Triangle Project ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Tel: , Fax: