Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) and Key Result Areas in Improving KAP March 2012

MRCs in the region Currently 16 MRCs in 5 countries Run by government bodies (5), and linked to employment centres; trade unions (5); and NGOs (6) Most of those in the sending countries are relatively new to providing such services, while most of those in destination countries have extensive experience and links with the migrant community New MRCs will open in 2012, including one proposed for Phnom Penh, in cooperation with the MOLVT

Overall objectives of the MRCs Drop-in centre for information and assistance Conduct information dissemination activities and outreach activities to target areas, about safe migration/rights at work, and to publicize the centre Job information/placement (in case of Job Centre) Legal support and group organization Coordinate with local authorities, social partners and service providers in the province Contribute to a strengthened knowledge base on migration flows

Role of the MRC: Drop-in Centre Provide information, advice and counselling to potential migrants, return migrants and migrants’ family members – in person and over the phone –Requirements for regular migration –Mitigating the risks involved in migration –Support services in destination and origin –Job placement (in case of Job Centre) Provide referrals to other service providers, including for legal assistance, employment services, health concerns, financial assistance, etc.

Role of the MRC: Outreach Disseminate information through posters and flyers, radio and TV, websites, etc. Train local leaders, authorities and community volunteers to advise on safe and legal migration Outreach to potential migrants in the community, in schools and vocational training institutions, at job fairs, etc.

Role of the MRC: Network and Knowledge Coordinate with authorities, trade unions, NGOs, etc. in the province Build information sharing and referral network with service providers Build local knowledge base –On migration trends –On recruitment agency activity –On complaints/abuses and redress

MRC Activities in Destination Provide support services in person / on the phone Train migrant peer leaders on rights and organizing Provide a space for migrants to meet and to learn Dispute settlement and legal assistance Network with other service providers Build local knowledge base

Key Result Areas in Increasing KAP Awareness of expected migration costs and benefits – What are the maximum recruitment fees? – What is the monthly wage? Knowledge of the legal requirements for working abroad (job offer, entry visa and work permit) –Can lead migrants to ensure they obtain the correct documents to enter and work in the country legally –Who to contact if you have a complaint against the recruitment agency?

Key Result Areas (2) Knowledge about labour contract content –Importance of having an employment contract –Key content in a model contract Awareness about wages /wage deductions and working hours in destination countries –Ensures that migrants are aware of the realities of working abroad, and counters the misinformation / false promises provided by agencies, brokers and others

Key Result Areas (3) Knowledge/awareness of support services –Essential to accessing assistance in destination in case of grievances / violations. The more service providers one knows, the more likely they are able to access support Knowledge of the value of joining a trade union or migrant association - Can MWs join? How? Knowledge of how to remit money –Main remittance channels and advantages/disadvantages