Migration Vulnerability: Access to Social Protection for Select Migrant Categories

Migration Vulnerability: Access to Social Protection for Select Migrant Categories focuses on the vulnerability to which three distinct migrant categories are exposed to in relation to the availability, adequacy and access to social protection: (i) migrants exposed to climate or environmental change; (ii) migrants in the informal economy; and (iii) high-skilled professionals, including business persons and investors, and intra-corporate transferees.

Central to the social protection deficit experienced by these migrant categories, is the failure of traditional social protection responses to appreciate the particular reality of the three categories concerned. There is therefore a need to design tailor-made and context-sensitive approaches and interventions, prompted by innovative and principled thinking concerning the application of social protection in vastly different environments. Depending on the migrant category affected, this concerns in particular an understanding of the role of states and their responsibility vis-à-vis displaced persons and host communities on the basis of the states’ social contract with its citizens. Also needed are an adjusted conceptual framework, normative accommodation and operational engagement to ensure appropriate coverage of affected categories; dedicated institutional interventions, and strengthened voice and representation modalities; and specific measures to address the existing dichotomy between trade, immigration, labour relations and social protection regulatory regimes.

The authors reflect on the above matters from the vantage point of their respective disciplines, relying on a range of methodological approaches and critical analytical discourse. They include academics from different social science backgrounds and experienced practitioners.