Muanpong Juntopas, a Sumernet Network Development Coordinator will be attending a workshop on “Trans-boundary Migration Policy Implementation and Monitoring in the GMS: the Effectiveness and Policy Gaps” , organized by Mekong Institute, during 15-17 November 2007 in Thailand.

This workshop aims to provide updated status of policy implementation and monitoring mechanisms of the trans-border migration in the GMS, and specific focus in promoting a better understanding among policymakers of the migration management in GMS countries and examine gaps for regional and bilateral policies to address the overall welfare of migrants in the GMS.

The meeting will be attended by approximately 50delegates from GMS governments, international NGOs, recruitment agents, migrant associations, private sectors and civil society from the GMS. The delegates to this meeting will be senior and mid level government officials from GMS countries.

Juntopas will team up with MI Research Manager in the last session on “Policy gap, research, and way forwards”. At this occasion, she will give a brief presentation about Sumernet research for 2007-2008, and more specifically planned research on “GMS regional migration: a feasible alternative for the poor?”

The policy dialogue outcomes will be published in form of policy brief after completion of the policy meeting. In June 2008, MI will organize a high profile meeting with Six GMS Government Personnel to adopt the policies recommended during the policy meeting. Prior to the high level meeting, preparation meetings will be held through national consultation in each GMS country.

Background and history of this Platform

In February 2006, Mekong Institute organized a three-day regional policy formulation meeting on “Transborder Migration in the GMS” with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation. The policy meeting identified that while there are positive aspects of globalization, and regionalization brings a number of opportunities including labour migration and new income, but there are many grave social concerns; labour abuse, health concerns, unfair treatment etc. The meeting concluded that migration policies should be geared at advancing the benefits of migrants and reducing negative impacts. It recommended that proactive measures must be applied to formulate and execute policies with constant follow up and monitoring with effective mechanisms and institutions.

It was also found that GMS countries are currently without coherent migration policies. Only three Asian countries have signed the International Convention on the protection of the Rights of all migrant workers and members of their families. And none of the GMS countries have signed this convention. The gap between current standards and projected needs as well as the disconnection between national and international standards needs to be addressed.

GMS countries are working with national and international organizations to encourage safe and legitimate labor migration and regular migration of their own nationals. In general, migration needs to be addressed comprehensively.