Page 7 - kpi19897

Policy Forum

Legal Framework on ASEAN Mutual
Recognition Arrangements (MRAs):
the Need for National Regulatory Change

Thursday 22nd June 2017 at Royal Princess
Larn Luang, Bangkok, Thailand

Principles and Reasons

At present, immigrant labour flow plays one of the most
important roles in economies of ASEAN countries. A study has

recognised that the Malaysian and Thai economies, especially
in the industrial sector, have become dependent on migrant

workers (ILO, 2014). According to estimates by the United Nations,
9.5 million migrants in ASEAN countries are from within the
region (IOM, 2014). Moreover, in some ASEAN countries the

employment of foreign workers can fulfill the shortage of
professionals, for example, the shortage of medical doctors

and other healthcare staff in Vietnam and Cambodia, which
causes several serious patient mobility cases in the region.
Additionally, migrant worker mobility, with or without investment,

6

01-133 inside_PolicyForum_New.indd 6 30/1/2562 BE 14:25