Companies Facilitating Safe Migration for UNSDG 10: Reduced Inequality

Migration becomes one of the important global phenomena because it is determined by economic, social, political, and environmental factors. Among the UN SDGs is Goal 10, Target 10.7; it aims at enabling countries to have an orderly, safe, and regular migration of people. In this connection, it is very essential in reducing inequality both between countries and within them due to the fact that the migration processes are properly managed and there are no practices of exploitation or abuse of migrants.

UNSDG 10, under Target 10.7, similarly points out the need to develop and implement well-governed migration policies in member countries while also respecting the rights of migrants, promoting safe and legal ways of migration, and underlining that migration equally contributes to the development process in the origin and destination countries​ (KOSTAT SDG Kor)​​ (Migration data portal)​. The target involves collaboration with a number of stakeholders that are government-run, international organizations, and private companies that facilitate safe migration.

1. International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Founder: International CommunityFounded in: 1951Location: Geneva, Switzerland

IOM plays a very critical role in promoting safe and orderly migration across the world through its interventions. As the premier intergovernmental organization on migration issues, IOM collaborates with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to create awareness for getting a better understanding of the varying migration issues, in order to design effective responses towards promoting human dignity and the well-being of migrants through the same.

Actions and Impact

These are some of the IOM-led efforts in facilitating safe migration, which are believed to be multi-pronged:

1. Policy Development and Advocacy: IOM pushes for assisting countries to develop comprehensive migration policies that will have safety and regularity at their core to building the capacity of governments in managing migration flows and, in the process, safeguarding migrants.
2. Direct Assistance to Migrants: IOM provides migrants with operational support in the area of emergency assistance, health care, and advisory services. In this way, migrants receive the necessary assistance at different stages throughout their journey into the recipient country.
3. Combating Human Trafficking: IOM’s core activity involves fighting human trafficking and assisting protection and support for victims. This involves the facilitation of training in victim screening and support to all law enforcement as a standard.
4. Migration Data Collection: IOM’s Migration Data Portal is an indispensable repository for compiling and sharing data about trends and dynamics in global migration.

The broad-based approach of IOM IOM has blazed a trail in the adoption of policies under the aegis of approaches that are desired. For example, paying special emphasis on safety and protection of the migrants.

2. Tata Trusts

Founder: Jamsetji TataFounded in: 1892Location: Mumbai, India

Tata Trusts is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in India, with a history of fruitful contributions for social development, safe migration included. The organization has recognized the vulnerability of migrant people and has initiated several programs in a view to confront the arising challenges.

Actions and Impact

Key programs of Tata Trust on the vulnerabilities of migrant workers in ways that migration can benefit both the migrants and communities left behind, are:

1. Skill Development Programs: Tata Trusts has many skill development and vocational training programs in operation to orient the trainees toward job opportunities in various sectors. All these work activities are important in making the migrants more employable, thereby assuring them of decent work opportunities.
2. Legal and Social Support: The organization extends its support legal backing and social support to the migrants while enduring the complicated processes of migration and arriving at the entitled rights and benefits.
3. Health and Safety Initiatives: Health camps and safety awareness programs aimed at ensuring that migrant workers are able to understand the health risks related to the kind of jobs they are in and the precautions to take.
4. Community Integration Programs: Cultural exchange programs and activities are also carried out. This creates an opportunity for migrants to integrate with the host community with shared mutual understanding and bonding.

With these interventions, Tata Group has done a lot to ensure migrant workers’ safety and livelihood, and therefore, a general vision of reducing inequalities​.

3. Aajeevika Bureau

Founder: Rajiv KhandelwalFounded in: 2005Location: Udaipur, India

Aajeevika Bureau acts as a support-service provider to informal labor migrants in India. It reviews the normal status of challenges among rural in-migrants as a pro-poor approach to enable them to upgrade their livelihoods and ensure safe migration with dignity.

Actions and Impact

It has all inclusive’ programs touching on the following aspects of the migration process:

1. Legal Aid and Advocacy: The organization provides legal support to the worker migrants, assists in the resolution of labor disputes such as wages, working conditions, and other labor rights issues. Another major effort in advocacy is policy change to protect the rights of these worker migrants.
2. Skill Development and Employment Services: Aajeevika Bureau works on skill training and employment services by linking the migrant workers with the job opportunities that are suitable for their skills and aspirations in reducing the risks of exploitation apart from ensuring better working conditions.
3. Health and Welfare Programs: Aajeevika promotes health camps, insurance schemes, and other welfare programs to ensure migrant workers get health care services and financial protection against risks associated with health.
4. Community Support and Integration: The organization provides community support groups that form a peer network to exchange experiences and help one another out. Therefore, this helps build resilience and coping mechanisms through the communities.

Therefore, it has ensured a holistic approach to enhancing the lives of the migrant workers and made migration safe. It has been working in building for the migrants, an empowering experience​.

4. Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)

Founder: Regional NetworkFounded in: 1994Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) is a regional network of NGOs, associations, and trade unions working to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers in Asia. MFA advocates for fair and just migration policies and provides support services to migrant workers.

Actions and Impact

MFA’s initiatives are geared towards advocacy, policy influence, and direct support:

1. Policy Advocacy and Campaigns: MFA carries out policy advocacy at the national, regional, and international levels, pushing for the implementation of fair migration policies that protect the rights of migrant workers. Relatedly, campaigns are launched toward raising awareness on the problems of migrants and mobilizing support for policy change.
2. Research and Documentation: The network does research into the experiences of migrant workers and documents them; it then formulates evidence-based recommendations for policy improvement. It helps in bringing out the lacunas or grey areas existing in the migration framework.
3. Capacity Building and Training: The MFA has training programs for migrant workers in which they are made aware of their rights and available resources. Capacity-building workshops for member organizations are also conducted to enhance their capacity to effectively support the migrants.
4. Direct Support Services: MFA delivers direct assistance to migrant workers, such as legal aid, counseling services, and emergency support. The organization helps them to cover their urgently needed needs and assures them that they can access the needed support during an emergency crisis.

The comprehensive and extensive strategy followed by MFA has supported a lot in raising the rights and welfare of the migrant workers within the region of Asia​.

5. LabourNet

Founder: Gayathri VasudevanFounded in: 2006Location: Bangalore, India

LabourNet is an Indian social enterprise focussed on enabling sustainable livelihoods for the informal sector workers, including migrants. This social enterprise deals with providing skills training, job placement, and financial inclusion services in the bid to improve socio-economic conditions of the workers.

Actions and Impact

The broad spectrum engagement of LaborNet deals with various parts of the migrant workers’ life:

1. Skills Training and Certification: LabourNet skill trains and certifies its beneficiaries in different trades. This not just increases employability for migrants, but at the same time, it ensures that workers command higher wages for their skills.
2. Employment Services: Job placements for trained workers in jobs fitted to their skills displace uncertainty and risks from informal job searches.
3. Financial Inclusion: LabourNet works with formal banks to ensure that such populations receive banking services and savings accounts, while it also facilitates microloans to the said populations. This financial inclusion is important for the appropriate growth and stability in the economy.
4. Health and Social Security: Health camps and insurance schemes are part of LabourNet’s initiatives meant to assure workers access to health and social security benefits, since that is crucial for maintaining their well-being and productivity.

LabourNet has had a big impact on immigrant workers, many of whom have reported experiencing improvements in income level, job security, and quality of life​.

6. SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association)

Founder: Ela BhattFounded in: 1972Location: Ahmedabad, India

SEWA is a trade union for poor, self-employed women workers, including migrants. Its mission is full employment and self-reliance for women through simultaneous levels of grassroots organizing, capacity-building, and advocacy.

Actions and Impact

The multifaceted initiatives of SEWA highlighting the empowerment of women workers are listed in the following manner:

1. Organizing and Unionization: It organizes women workers under the umbrella of trade unions so that they get a united voice in their demand for higher wages and more reasonable working conditions. This empowerment becomes necessary for them toward socio-economic upliftment.
2. Skill Development and Training: SEWA organizes major training camps, which contribute to developing skilled women workers in different areas of skill development, such as handicrafts, agriculture, and services, among others. This enables women to have viable employment opportunities by assuring themselves in any of the fields.
3. Microfinance and Cooperative Development: SEWA runs microfinance programs that provide women with small loans, access to savings accounts, and insurance. These financial services help women start or expand their businesses, hence leading to more economic independence.
4. Advocacy and Legal Aid: SEWA advocates for the rights of women workers at the policy level and provides legal aid to those who are being exploited or discriminated against. Its advocacy is crucial in creating a supportive environment for migrant women workers.

SEWA’s holistic approach transformed the lives of lakhs of migrant women workers, making them economically self-sufficient with improved social status

7. Skill India Mission

Founder: Government of IndiaFounded in: 2015Location: Nationwide, India

It is a government initiative to boost and create a skilled workforce in India. This initiative comprises a handful of programs and policies framed to impart skill training to the millions of youth which also comprises of migrants.

Actions and Impact

The programs under the purview of the Skill India Mission are expansive and have their objectives targeting at bridging the gap in the workforce:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): PMKVY is a flagship scheme that offers short-term training courses in various trades/sectors to the youth, including migrants. It provides certification upon completion, thus adding value to their employability.
2. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): NAPS promotes more employers to hire more apprentices by giving financial incentives. The scheme offers practical training and live exposure to the concerned work to young tactility.
3. Skill Loan Scheme: One may take a loan from the government if they are interested in going through skill training. This is also a way of economic support where lack of finances does not prevent one from gaining the relevant skill.
4. Sector Skill Councils: These councils are responsible for defining industry-specific skills and standards. They ensure that the training provided aligns with the current demands of various sectors, increasing the chances of employment for trainees.

These programs have equipped thousands of migrants with skills under the aegis of the Skill India Mission, where they have acquired market-relevant skills and increased their access to job opportunities.

8. International Labour Organization (ILO)

Founder: International CommunityFounded in: 1919Location: Geneva, Switzerland

The International Labor Organization is a UN agency that aims at social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights. Regarding migration, ILO’s operations focus on ensuring migrant workers’ safe and decent work conditions.

Actions and Impact

ILO’s activities on safe migration are vast:

1. Policy Development and Guidance: The ILO helps governments to develop policies and frameworks for the protection of international migrant workers. This includes guidelines on fair recruitment practices and decent work conditions.
2. Capacity Building: It runs training programs for state officials, employers, and trade unions in order to equip them with the incisive knowledge and skills necessary to manage labor migration effectively in the interest of decent work for both nationals and migrants alike.
3. Research and Data Collection: The organization’s research documentation on migration trends and related issues has and still does offer relevant data that underpins policy-making and input towards public debates.
4. Support Services for Migrants: The ILO collaborates with various partners to create access and offer direct support services to people involved in migration; these range from legal services, healthcare services, to social integration programs.

Thanks to ILO, the working conditions of migrant workers in the world have become better than previously where they are treated now as they deserve – with dignity and respect.

9. Migrant Help

Founder: National CoalitionFounded in: 1963Location: United Kingdom

Migrant Help was established in the UK, which works as an advisory body to give appropriate advice and adequate support to vulnerable migrants. It works regarding the asylum seekers where they are the first refugees and victims of human trafficking.

Actions and Impact

Migrant Help’s services are tailored to address the immediate and long-term needs of migrants:

1. Advice and Information: The organization provides advice regarding matters of asylum as well as accommodation, asylum application accommodation and employment. This in effect provides the migrants with the ability to handle intricate legal and social systems independently.
2. Emergency Assistance: Migrant Help also provides emergency support, so no one seems to be abandoned without food, shelter and medical care.
3. Advocacy and Campaigning: It emphasizes the importance of the voices of migrants, campaigning at the national level for relevant and needed changes in the plight of these people. There are campaigns to raise awareness of the plight of migrants and to mobilize public support.
4. Integration Programs: Migrant Help operates social and economic integration programs that help new migrants become well linked and well acclimated to their new environment, including, for instance, such things as language classes, job placement services, and cultural orientation.

Through these efforts, Migrant Help has significantly improved the lives of many migrants in the UK, providing them with the support needed to rebuild their lives​.

10. Justice Centre Hong Kong

Founder: Hong Kong Refugee Advice CentreFounded in: 2007Location: Hong Kong

Justice Centre Hong Kong, an independent non-profit organization, strives to provide full legal representation and advocacy support to asylum seekers, refugees, and other forced migrants. The centre aims to secure justice and protection by the processes of law for the most vulnerable of migrants.

Actions and Impact

Based on the principles of legal empowerment and advocacy mentioned above, the work and efforts by the Justice Centre in Hong Kong can be listed as follows:

1. Legal Aid and Representation: It provides free legal counseling and legal representation to asylum seekers and refugees, making them enabled to adequately pursue the seeking asylum and the exercise of their rights.
2. Policy Advocacy: Justice Centre Hong Kong promotes the policies on the protection of rights of refugees and asylum seekers. These involve the advocacy of a fair asylum policy and better living conditions for migrants.
3. Research and Reports: Conducts research on issues affecting forced migrants and publishes reports aimed at creating awareness and advocating for change in policy.
4. Community Support: The Justice Centre Hong Kong offers psychosocial support and community integration programs to facilitate migrant adjustment to Hong Kong life with the building of a support base.

Justice Centre Hong Kong has been doing essential work to protect the rights of forced migrants and to ensure just treatment and support for them

11. Prayas

Founder: Amod KanthFounded in: 1988Location: New Delhi, India

Prayas is an Indian non-governmental organization that first aimed at providing support and rehabilitation to vulnerable groups, and that included migrant labor. It works in several states of India and has a broad range of services aimed at uplifting the disadvantaged groups.

Actions and Impact

Prayas actions are comprehensive, covering every migrant worker’s needs:

1. Legal Assistance and Advocacy: Prayas extends support services to migrant workers through legal provisions in matters of exploitation or legal complications. Advocacy work includes influencing policy changes for the protection of the rights of migrant workers.
2. Skill Development and Employment: It conducts voluntary training programs to develop skills among migrant workers with use-in employment in other sectors.
3. Health and Welfare Services: The organization facilitates health camps and provides healthcare services to migrant workers. The welfare program under this head also helps workers access social security benefits and housing support.
4. Child Protection and Education: Prayas carries out programs that ensure the children of such migrant workers have access to education and that they are saved from exploitation and abuse.

Through these initiatives, Prayas has made significant strides in improving the conditions and prospects of migrant workers and their families in India.

12. Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS)

Founder: Research CollectiveFounded in: 2006Location: Kochi, India

The Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS) is a concerned research organization that engages with the study of the processes of migration from India to, in particular, the Gulf region, and other international destinations. CIMS is committed to the production of knowledge-based evidence and suggestions for the modification and guarantee of the conditions and rights of migrant Indians.

Actions and Impact

CIMS engages in the following to facilitate safe migration and enhance the welfare of the migrants:

1. Research and Data Analysis: CIMS engages in rigorous research on trends of migration, on the socio-economic characteristics of migrants, and on the challenges that the migrants encounter. This research avails evidence and information that aids in policy formulations in addition to availing the community and NGOs with essential critical information on migration.
2. Policy Advocacy: The center is actively involved in advocating with the government for policies that protect the rights of Indian migrants. Presenting the research findings to use in advocacy with government agencies and civil society may influence legislation and practices to result in safer migration pathways.
3. Capacity Building: The CIMS conducts training programs for NGOs, government agencies, and leaders of migrant communities in a bid to empower them with knowledge and skills in supporting the issue of migrant workers. This covers workshops related to legal rights, health, and social aspects.
4. Awareness Campaigns: It conducts awareness campaigns for potential migrants and families to understand the risks involved in labor migration, including trafficking in persons and exploitation, to enable migrants to make informed decisions about their migration process.

The value of CIMS was that, through a comprehensive approach, it found wide importance in understanding the range of migrant experiences and furthering the rights and welfare of Indian migrant workers

Conclusion

These numerous initiatives of the organizations identify the principal stakeholders who make massive contributions to the facilitation of safe migration. Addressing various dimensions of the migration process, from policy development and advocacy to direct support services, these organizations make great contributions toward achieving UNSDG 10.7. For a startup looking to support safe migration, these models offer valuable insights and potential partnerships to amplify impact.

References

1. International Organization for Migration (IOM): IOM, UN SDG Indicators
2. Tata Trusts: Tata Trusts
3. Aajeevika Bureau: Aajeevika Bureau
4. Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA): Migrant Forum in Asia
5. LabourNet: LabourNet
6. SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association): SEWA
7. Skill India Mission: Skill India
8. International Labour Organization (ILO): International Labour Organization
9. Migrant Help: Migrant Help
10. Justice Centre Hong Kong: Justice Centre Hong Kong
11. Prayas: Prayas
12. Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS): Centre for Indian Migrant Studies