Emigrants and their relationship with international labor law: rights, protections and challenges
Emigrants and their relationship with international labor law: rights, protections and challenges

Summary/Abstract: In contemporary societies where individual rights and freedoms are placed at the forefront, the protection of migrants' labor rights remains a persistent global challenge. Despite its strong human rights foundations, Europe often remains distant or passive in addressing migration-related issues. Emigrant workers contribute significantly to the economies of host countries and support their countries of origin through remittances. However, they frequently face systemic challenges, including exploitation, discrimination, gendered vulnerabilities and unsafe working conditions. This paper examines the complex relationship between international labor law and the rights of migrant workers, with a focus on key legal instruments such as the International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 97 and 143, and the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It highlights critical gaps in the implementation and enforcement of these standards, particularly in states with restrictive immigration policies and large irregular migrant populations. The article further explores the critical relationship between international labor law instruments and labor migrants. The treatment of these individuals, with full respect for the protection of human dignity, is essential for achieving sustainable economic and social development. Emigrants constitute a significant part of the global labor force, a reality that necessitates the enhancement of international and in some cases, bilateral cooperation to improve the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to safeguard employment relationships. Strengthening such frameworks is imperative to ensure that labor migrants are afforded the rights and protections enshrined in international legal standards. Protecting the labor rights of migrants is ultimately both a legal and moral imperative in the pursuit of global social justice.

• Details
• Contents