Ariful urges stronger global action on migrant rights

Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has called for stronger global cooperation on migration governance, urging improved data systems, enhanced protection for migrant workers and intensified efforts to combat discrimination and misinformation. 

Speaking as co-chair of the Multi-stakeholder Round Table-4 of the UN International Migration Review Forum at UN Headquarters, he said migrant workers must be treated as rights-holders, not "disposable labour inputs".

The minister stressed the need for accurate, disaggregated migration data, stronger national statistical systems, better inter-agency coordination and safeguards for privacy and human rights. 

He added that multi-service information hubs, digital platforms and community outreach are key to ensuring migrants receive timely and reliable information at all stages.

Underlining that domestic, agricultural and informal sector workers remain particularly vulnerable, Choudhury called for a rights-based approach to prevent exploitation and unsafe conditions. 

He also warned against rising anti-migrant narratives driven by xenophobia and misinformation, urging accountability for hate speech and stronger digital literacy.

He called for deeper bilateral and global cooperation, saying migration must be managed through a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" approach to ensure dignity, protection and shared prosperity.