ISEAS Perspective - Facilitating Gainful Labour Migration in Southeast Asia Remains an Elusive Task

Southeast Asian countries are trying to improve migrant management, mitigate abuse, and redress forced labour in supply chains. In this photo, Thai and migrant workers attend a rally marking International Labor Day 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, on 1 May 2025 | Photo by Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto/NurPhoto via AFP.

In this paper published by NYSEAN Partner ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Lee Hwok Aun asserts that the economic landscape of Southeast Asia—with higher-income labor-receiving countries alongside lower-income labor-sending neighbors—is conducive to mutually beneficial labor migration.

Lee Hwok Aun is Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.