On November 8, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) held a national workshop to prepare for the 17th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) themed “Care Work and Labour Migration in ASEAN,” which will take place in Laos from November 13 to 14.
National Workshop in Preparation for the 17th AFML.
In her remarks, Ms. Ha Thi Minh Duc, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department at MOLISA, shared statistics predicting that the proportion of older persons in ASEAN will rise to 15.4% by 2030, with all member states experiencing aging or aged populations by 2050. This will result in labor shortages and increased demand for care work.
Emphasizing the lessons from regional partner countries like Japan and South Korea, the Deputy Director affirmed that, in addition to raising the retirement age and encouraging older people to rejoin the workforce, migrant labor will be a key solution to labor shortages caused by demographic changes and healthcare needs.
To ensure Vietnam’s successful participation in the upcoming 17th AFML, Ms. Duc requested the delegates’ active discussions and contributions, especially in providing national recommendations to be included in Vietnam’s presentation at the forum.
Ms. Ha Thi Minh Duc, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, MOLISA.
During the workshop, delegates shared updates on national activities in implementing the recommendations of the 16th AFML, along with the current situation of domestic and overseas labor, a general assessment of enterprises, and future orientations for labor protection.
Notably, in preparation for the 17th AFML, the workshop included group discussions focusing on two main topics.
Firstly, meeting care needs through labor migration: This involved assessing the demographic situation and structure of ASEAN member states and the aging populations of developed countries in the region, to identify challenges and opportunities arising from the expected increase in healthcare demands.
Secondly, enhancing the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers in the healthcare sector: This discussion centered on the role of migrant workers in addressing labor shortages due to demographic changes and the importance of ensuring their rights and well-being.
Based on the outcomes of these discussions, the delegates agreed on a unified recommendation from Vietnam to be presented at the 17th AFML for consideration.
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Unemployment insurance is a safety net designed to provide temporary financial support to individuals who have lost their jobs. It serves as a crucial buffer, offering a portion of one’s previous income for a limited period, recognizing that unemployment can happen to anyone and helping them bridge the gap until they secure their next opportunity.
