“Unfortunately we see the way currently at the global, regional and national levels, migration is being governed, exposing migrant workers to exploitation and human rights violations,” observes Irem Arf, migration policy advisor for the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), at the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit.

Ms. Arf explains how advocating for greater dialogue will allow migrants to be better represented: “that will be the key thing for us. Social dialogue around migration issues. And in relation to that, of course, freedom of association, right to organize and collective bargaining is really key for migrant workers. This is the way they can ensure to advocate for themselves.”

“Lack of dialogue around these issues in the migration field is causing some solutions to be not determined quick as enough,” she warns. “We’re seeing migrant workers facing exploitation during their recruitment, having to pay exorbitant fees for example, which causes debt bondage situations where they can’t leave exploitative work conditions .”

Ms. Arf was interviewed during the first day of the 14th GFMD Summit, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on 23 January 2024.