VIENTIANE (XINHUA) – Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare called on labour officials across Laos to do more to uphold the rights of Lao workers in other countries.
Speaking at a meeting on Thursday to mark International Migrants Day, Anousone Khamsingsavath, director general of the Department of Employment under the Lao Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, said workers’ rights could be upheld by strengthening the legal mechanisms that govern workers’ status, Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Friday.
The meeting, held in Lao capital Vientiane, discussed ways to better safeguard migrant workers’ rights, with officials sharing their experiences and making suggestions in addition to discussing practical issues relating to development in ASEAN countries.
The Lao government is taking steps to improve the employment situation in Laos by partnering with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other bodies in efforts to raise the minimum wage, provide more people with vocational training, and find jobs for returning migrant workers.
Laos’ Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare takes the lead in the management and safeguarding of migrant workers’ rights and has made an effort to improve macro-management by passing various pieces of legislation, including revision of the Employment Law, said the report.
