In commemoration of International Migrants Day, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, along with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organized an event at the Lao-Korea Skills Development Institute in Vientiane Capital on 18 January 2024. The theme for the event was skills development, acknowledging the major impact that migration can have on enhancing Lao migrants’ vocational skills, as well as the need to support them in obtaining market-relevant skills upon return so that they are able to reintegrate successfully into the labour market. Broadcast on Lao Youth Radio, the celebration brought together migrant workers and key stakeholder organizations to share their experiences on reintegration in Lao PDR.
The event proceedings highlighted the challenges faced by migrants in finding employment upon returning home. Notably, the ILO has supported migrant worker resource centres and civil society organizations to provide extensive support for migrant workers to upskill and find new jobs in Lao PDR. The celebration included an opportunity for migrants to share their individual stories, such as Ms Vanny Santiphone, who underwent tailoring and enterprise development training upon returning to her community and succeeded in starting a small business. Learn more: https://www.ilo.org/asia/media-centre/news/WCMS_908674/lang–en/index.htm.
