Strengthening Social Protection for Migrant Workers

Abstract

This paper argues that changes in the employment structure in the sea-based industry calls for increasing social protection for workers in the maritime sector. While the author largely focuses on experience of the Philippines and Filipino seafarers, he also points out that maritime workers in other Asian countries are affected by similar challenges as the Asian region is now the largest source of seafarers for the world’s fleet. Social protection for workers in the industry may be possible through the promotion of international conventions, greater stakeholders support, and inclusion of social protection provisions in bilateral and multilateral agreements.