Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI)

Labor Mobility and Social Inclusion works closely with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education and Sports, Skills Development Center, Lao Federation of Trade Unions, Lao Women Union and Lao Youth Union, civil society organization by promoting safe and regular migration, skill development and ethical recruitment at the provincial and district levels to ensure the lives of migrants when they return to Lao People's Democratic Republic and their safe migrants when they mobile to work in other countries. 

While the causes of labour mobility can be perceived as challenges to the national socio-economic development, migration and labour mobility are part of the solution to development imperatives, consistent with local governance and social models, while allowing individuals to achieve their full potential for the growth and development of the Region. 

Key stakeholders: Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Education and Sport, Lao Federation and Trade Union, Migration Recourse Center, CSOs. 

IOM CREST

Fashion project team has benefited from this external evaluation. The evaluation was extensive as all project stakeholders, including beneficiaries, were consulted. The findings of the evaluation complemented the findings of the midterm evaluation of a related project CREST funded by the Swedish International Cooperation and Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The results are found to be very useful and provide timely guidance for the development of Phase 2 of a related CREST project, aiming to enhance project impact. The evaluation exercise and results allowed us to reflect on achievements, successes and key challenges. Lastly, it helps to guide and inform IOM’s work on Migration and Business and Human Rights.  

IOM Lao PDR mission is to roll out pre-departure orientation outreaches with 4 MRCs in 4 provinces (Bokeo, Champassak, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet) and the Lao Federation Skills Development Institute in Vientiane Capital, working alongside the Lao Federation of Trade Union (LFTU who are equivalent to a ministry and a key partner for PROMISE II). 

Key donor: Swedish International Cooperation and Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) 

Poverty Reduction Through Safe Migration, Skills Development and Enhanced Job Placement (PROMISE)

Migrant workers have been contributing to economic growth and social development in Thailand. Yet only a small fraction of migrant workers receives any form of skills development training or recognition of their qualifications. This presents a key barrier preventing the realization of the full development impact of migration, which is recognized in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Agenda. Further, migrant workers commonly experience various types of abuse and discrimination during their migration journeys. Since COVID-19 has further exacerbated the vulnerabilities of migrant workers, the protection of migrant workers’ human and labour rights remains a key concern of all migration stakeholders. 

IOM implements the second phase of the regional PROMISE Programme (2021-2025) to support migrant workers in accessing skills development leading to gainful employment and promoting enhanced protection of migrant workers in collaboration with key stakeholders from public and private sectors. 

Key donor: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP)

United Nations Joint Programme “Leaving no one behind: Establishing the basis for social protection floors in Lao People's Democratic Republic” 

The UN Joint Programme will support the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic to strengthen the national social protection system, through building of national capacities, improvement of public finance management, and piloting of a social assistance programme for pregnant women and newborn children. 
 
The UN Joint Programme is a unique cooperation platform between UN agencies working on social protection and poverty reduction in Lao People's Democratic Republic. This helps create an integrated and systemic approach to supporting the implementation of the National Social Protection Strategy, to catalyse progress towards the SDGs. It allows UN agencies to pool their expertise and reduce overlaps in their support to the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic. The Programme is expected to have a direct impact on poverty reduction, nutritional gains, reduction of socio-economic inequalities, improvement of gender equality and overall system sustainability. Activities include Skill development CSOs Engagement, Community Radio   

Key donor:  United Nation Agencies, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) 

The Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM)

The State Department’s Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) provides life-sustaining assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless persons, as well as vulnerable migrants around the world through its global partnerships. The Bureau advocates for protection of vulnerable populations through humanitarian diplomacy, promotes best practices in humanitarian response, and works to ensure that humanitarian principles are thoroughly integrated into U.S. foreign and national security policy. 

Key donor: The United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migrants

For more information on SEZs in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, please refer to the SEZs Factsheet.
For more information on PROMISE project, please refer to the PROMISE Factsheet.