Milestones
In the ever-evolving landscape of migrant workers' rights, the Justice for Wage Theft
Campaign has emerged as a powerful force advocating for justice. Over the past year, the
campaign has not only gained momentum within our network but has also expanded its
influence globally. This report delves into the notable achievements and significant
developments that have marked the campaign's journey, showcasing a collective effort to
address the persistent issue of wage theft.
Wage Theft in the IMRF Progress Declaration
A significant milestone was achieved during the first International Migration Review
Forum, which reviews the progress on the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly, and Regular
Migration. In the IMRF, the term "wage theft" gained official recognition, finding mention
twice in the IMRF Progress Declaration. This milestone is particularly significant given the
historical challenges and pushback encountered by various UN institutions in embracing this
term. Its increased inclusion in official discourse signifies a notable shift, indicating a growing
acknowledgment of the gravity of wage theft in international conversations. This recognition
not only reflects evolving perspectives but also underscores the urgency of addressing
wage theft as a critical issue on the global agenda.
We commend the positive role and contributions of millions of
migrants in responding to and recovering from the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) pandemic, including as essential workers, and
remain deeply concerned that the pandemic has had a severe and
disproportionate impact on migrants, including through increased
COVID-19 exposure, discrimination, violence, job losses, wage theft,
protracted family separation, and restricted or lack of access to
health-care services and other basic services, including vaccines,
social protection, education and child services, and being subjected
to unsafe and undignified returns. [1]
The lack of mutual recognition of skills and qualifications of migrants
limits their potential, the benefits they can gain from their labour as
well as their contributions to sustainable development, and leaves
migrants vulnerable to exploitation. Many migrant workers,
especially women migrant workers, continue to face precarious
working conditions, wage theft, labour exploitation, reduced wages,
discriminatory dismissals, withholding of benefits, forced unpaid
leave and protracted separation from their families, which have been
exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many cases,
migration procedures lack predictability and allow for high levels of
undue discretionary action, undermining the rule of law and due
process. [2]
[1] General Assembly resolution 76/266, Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum, par. 8,
A/RES/67/97 (14 June 2022), available from undocs.org/en/A/RES/76/266
[2] General Assembly resolution 76/266, Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum, par. 28,
A/RES/67/97 (14 June 2022), available from undocs.org/en/A/RES/76/266
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