Asia’s migrants deserve to be welcomed fully into society
Nenette Motus says everywhere in Asia, migrants’ work is so integral to our prosperity that it’s unconscionable to deny them their rights
We are almost at the end of the year, by the Western business calendar. For many, it’s the start of a journey – home to see the family, to be with friends.
Our journeys may be short, but they are long enough for us to reflect on the millions who have set out on less happy journeys. In Asia, where disparities between rich and poor are wide, millions are on the move every year, seeking work and comfort for their families.
December 18 is International Migrants Day, celebrated this year under the UN theme of togetherness. Our welcome for migrants must extend further than simply benefiting from their contributions. We must also accept them into our society and assure them of the rights that we take for granted.
The Asia-Pacific region hosts the largest migrant population in the world. According to UN data, between 2000 and 2015, Asia added more international migrants than any other area of the world – 26 million in total, or 1.7 million additional migrants per year.
Asia’s prosperity and growth is built on the contributions of migrants. Asia can lead the world in celebrating this narrative, in realising that extending the hand of welcome to migrants brings economic and social benefits.
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