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INTRODUCTION
Southeast Asia is a region with highly dynamic regional migration. The ASEAN Confederation of Employers (ACE) actively engages in labour migration issues, recognising the critical role of migrant workers in ASEAN’s economic development and integration. Through collaboration with national employer organisations, governments, and regional institutions, ACE contributes to shaping policies that balance economic competitiveness with social responsibility.
Migrant workers play an essential role in the economic growth and development of ASEAN Member States (AMS). They are either in domestic work or help fill crucial labour gaps in key industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, ensuring that businesses remain competitive and productive. Beyond addressing labour shortages, migrant workers stimulate economic activities, enhance productivity, and contribute to improving overall living standards. Their remittances further support the economies in countries of origin, strengthening household incomes and national economic resilience.
However, despite their contributions, migrant workers often face challenges when accessing their social security benefits, particularly when they return home. The lack of an integrated regional framework for social security coordination leads to uncertainties and financial insecurities for migrant workers and their families. For employers, this fragmented system can translate into administrative burdens, compliance risks, and operational inefficiencies. By advancing a more integrated and coordinated social protection framework for migrant workers, ASEAN can reduce these burdens on businesses, foster a more stable and productive workforce, and enhance the region’s reputation as a hub for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The portability of social security benefits ensures that migrant workers can maintain and transfer their entitlements and accrued benefits across borders, preventing the loss of contributions when moving between countries. A social security agreement (SSA) is the main tool to coordinate portability between countries. However, at present, there is no SSA between AMS. A bilateral or multilateral SSA in this region can enhance labour mobility, promote fair treatment of all workers, and contribute to ASEAN’s broader goal of shared prosperity.