Malaysia has restated its firm commitment to strengthening the rights and welfare of migrant workers across Southeast Asia, stressing that they remain a key driving force behind regional economic and social development. The pledge was made by Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources, during the opening of the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Azman highlighted that an estimated seven million intra-ASEAN migrant workers contribute to building stronger economies and supporting social progress in the region. He described migrant workers as the “lifeblood” of ASEAN nations, saying their hard work benefits both host countries, where they provide vital labour, and their home countries, where their remittances improve livelihoods and communities.
The forum, held under the theme “Accelerating Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Safe Migration and Decent Work for Migrant Workers in ASEAN,” gathered representatives from ASEAN governments, employers’ groups, trade unions, and civil society. Azman used the platform to call for stronger protections, noting that many migrant workers still face unsafe conditions, exploitation, and unfair treatment from unscrupulous recruitment agents. He also pointed out that high recruitment and remittance costs remain a major burden for workers and their families.
He explained that Malaysia has already taken steps to improve protection for migrant workers. Among these measures are extending coverage under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) invalidity scheme and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to foreign workers, ensuring they are included in social protection systems. According to Azman, these policies demonstrate Malaysia’s resolve to build a fairer and more inclusive labour market.
The AFML continues to be a vital platform for ASEAN nations and their partners to work together on advancing labour rights. This year’s discussions are focusing on two key issues: ensuring safe working environments free from forced labour and reducing the costs tied to recruitment and remittances. Both issues are seen as crucial to making migration safer, fairer, and more sustainable.
The forum is being hosted by Malaysia in its role as ASEAN Chair, in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat and international partners, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Women, and the Task Force on ASEAN Migrant Workers (TFAMW). It has also received support from donor partners such as Australia, Canada, and Switzerland.
The AFML is part of the ASEAN Committee on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) Action Plan 2018–2025. This plan aims to implement key regional agreements, such as the Cebu Declaration and the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. Recommendations from this 18th AFML will help guide ACMW’s next steps and are expected to shape a new regional action plan to be presented at the upcoming ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting.
With migration continuing to play a vital role in the region, Malaysia’s strong call for fair treatment, social protection, and inclusive policies for migrant workers reinforces ASEAN’s goal of building a community that values both economic growth and human dignity