1. Introduction = 1
1.1. Notes on terminology = 1
1.2. Popular myths about migrant workers = 4
2. Labour Migration: Causes and Origins = 6
2.1. Reasons for migration = 6
2.1.1. Why do workers migrate? = 7
2.1.2. Why do labour-sending countries promote labour migration? = 8
2.1.3. What are the economic and structural factors causing migration? = 9
2.2. Options for countries facing labour shortages = 11
3. Labour Migration from Asia: Flows and Trends = 12
3.1. Migration statistics and data = 12
3.2. Migration patterns and trends = 13
3.3. Recent trends in Asian labour migration = 14
4. Most Vulnerable Categories of Migrant Workers in Asia = 17
4.1. Women workers: domestic workers and entertainers = 18
4.2. Trafficked persons = 19
4.3. Irregular migrants = 21
5. Migrant Workers . Scapegoats of the Asian Economic Crisis? = 27
6. Protecting ‘the Least Protected’: Some Issues = 28
6.1. Protection of migrant workers and international instruments = 28
6.2. Protection of migrant workers against abuses and malpractices remains a high priority = 29
6.3. Dilemma of labour-sending countries: Promotion of labour emigration and protection of national workers abroad = 30
6.4. What role can trade unions play in the protection of migrant workers? = 30
7. Policy Implications and Options = 32
Annexure = 41
Author (contact details) = 44
1.1. Notes on terminology = 1
1.2. Popular myths about migrant workers = 4
2. Labour Migration: Causes and Origins = 6
2.1. Reasons for migration = 6
2.1.1. Why do workers migrate? = 7
2.1.2. Why do labour-sending countries promote labour migration? = 8
2.1.3. What are the economic and structural factors causing migration? = 9
2.2. Options for countries facing labour shortages = 11
3. Labour Migration from Asia: Flows and Trends = 12
3.1. Migration statistics and data = 12
3.2. Migration patterns and trends = 13
3.3. Recent trends in Asian labour migration = 14
4. Most Vulnerable Categories of Migrant Workers in Asia = 17
4.1. Women workers: domestic workers and entertainers = 18
4.2. Trafficked persons = 19
4.3. Irregular migrants = 21
5. Migrant Workers . Scapegoats of the Asian Economic Crisis? = 27
6. Protecting ‘the Least Protected’: Some Issues = 28
6.1. Protection of migrant workers and international instruments = 28
6.2. Protection of migrant workers against abuses and malpractices remains a high priority = 29
6.3. Dilemma of labour-sending countries: Promotion of labour emigration and protection of national workers abroad = 30
6.4. What role can trade unions play in the protection of migrant workers? = 30
7. Policy Implications and Options = 32
Annexure = 41
Author (contact details) = 44