Recruitment practices and the human rights of migrants 2015, para. 29

Paragraph

Paragraph text: The precariousness of the situation of migrant workers can additionally lead to abuses of their economic, social and cultural rights. Housing can often lead to various human rights issues. In cases where employers offer housing, this can be used as an opportunity for further exploitation, as migrants are easier to control than local labour. In other cases, exploitative employers in countries of destination provide housing but this can be used to further control and exploit migrants, as it makes them readily available to perform work. In other cases, migrants can be left to finance their living and food costs independently. The need to minimize costs can lead migrants to live in extremely poor housing conditions, with many living in accommodation lacking basic infrastructure and services, including sanitation, electricity and potable water. Recruiters and subagents can also play a role in arranging and charging for housing, which can further increase their control over and exploitation of migrants. Access to other forms of social protection can also be problematic for migrants. Some migrants have access to healthcare provided through their employment, but this is highly variable, leaving many highly vulnerable if they experience problems with their health.

Topic(s)

Person(s) affected