Social Determinants of Health and Migrant Workers in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Malaysia and Thailand between them host about 70per cent (35 per cent each) of the estimated 13.5 million migrant workers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries. The workers mainly fill jobs in agriculture. fisheries. construction, manufacturing, domestic work and other services, offering labour flexibility to Malaysia and Thailand, and contributing to their competitiveness and economic progress. About 70 per cent of the migrant workers in Thailand and about 50 per cent in Malaysia are irregular migrants. Adaptable labour policies, shortcomings in contractual agreements and in the registration process have an impact on the status and socio-economic conditions of migrant workers, increasing their vulnerability and marginalisation. Most migrant workers do not enjoy fundamental civic rights and social protection and have limited access to adequate healthcare. The level of migrant workers' beneficial personal development outcomes, within the larger context of positive linkages between migration and development, is also doubtful. Comparisons of world development indicators such as life expectancy, wealth, and narrowing of income inequalities must thus also include an examination of governance of migration, the labour migration settings, and outcomes of migration, to inform the thinking and directions of future studies on social determinants of health.