Migrant Welfare & Assistance

Low-paid international migrants employed in high-risk economic sectors are particularly vulnerable to exploitation in countries of destination. Migrants often arrive not fully understanding their legal rights and entitlements or how to access them. Post-arrival assistance and orientation are therefore invaluable; however, in locations where such support is provided, it is often under-resourced.

Migrant welfare funds, pre-departure orientation programmes, health care, return assistance, compensation for workplace injury or illness, emergency shelter, and legal services, among others, may all fall under initiatives related to “migrant welfare and assistance”. Section 8 of the Montreal Recommendations provides guidance on this topic, drawing directly from the existing initiatives and experiences of IOM Member States.