Moving freely? : labour mobility in ASEAN

Labour market integration in ASEAN, and labour market reforms being undertaken as part of the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) are assessed. Migration policies in individual ASEAN countries have mainly been reactive without actively guided or planned migration flows. Enforcement mechanisms for protection of migrant workers are absent, and irregular migrants who are often the most vulnerable to exploitation, are not covered. Actions required by member states in pursuit of “Free Flow of Skilled Labour” are relatively limited when compared to the extensive actions and commitments given in relation to trade in goods and services, or trade facilitation