Bangkok, Thailand - The 3-day joint meetings of the Thematic Area Working Groups (TAWG) of the Colombo Process (CP), Chaired by the Government of India, concluded on 28 November. The event convened together 9 CP Member States, representatives from United Nations agencies, civil society, trade unions, and academia. Serving as a precursor to the Senior Officials’ Meeting in 2025, the TAWG featured discussions on key policy priorities and thematic areas under the purview of the CP. The sessions highlighted the collaborative efforts in promoting labour migration governance to ensure decent work and safe migration across South and South-East Asia. 

Addressing the inaugural session, Ms. Paulomi Tripathi, Deputy Chief of Mission and Deputy Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Embassy of India in Bangkok, stated, “…we are meeting at a time when international migration faces multifaceted challenges. At this critical juncture, the Colombo Process gains greater momentum as we are among the few countries with tremendous human potential to bridge the global skill gap.” 

“Since the establishment of the TAWG in 2015, discussions in these groups have been of great importance to strengthen our respective legal framework for migration,” she added. 

During the joint meeting, Member States provided updates on the national progress made in alignment with the 4-year work plan developed in the previous TAWG. They also discussed trends in labour migration across Asia vis-à-vis regular pathways, highlighting shifts, emerging challenges, and opportunities within the region. The closing session focused on the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review on the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, slated for February 2025, and the strategic heading of the CP. 

Delivering the closing remarks, Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, stated, "I am optimistic that under the esteemed leadership of the Government of India, the Colombo Process will reach greater heights, further strengthening its relevance and continuing to deliver greater value to its Member States and setting a benchmark within the region for others to learn and draw inspiration… As we conclude this consultation, let us re-affirm our collective resolves to uphold the dignity and rights of migrants. Together, we can ensure that migration becomes a driver of opportunity, empowerment and sustainable development for all."

The CP is a 12-country regional consultation supporting its Member States to manage labour migration in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner for the benefit of individual migrants, their families and wider society. The CP addresses 5 thematic priority areas, including Skills and Qualification Recognition Processes; Fostering Ethical Recruitment Practices; Pre-Departure Orientation and Empowerment; Promoting Cheaper, Faster and Safer Transfer of Remittances; and Labor Market Analysis. The work of the TAWG is supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the CP Technical Support Unit based in IOM Sri Lanka.

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For more information, please contact:

Kavindya Jayasundera, Project Assistant, Email: kjayasu@iom.int
Asel Kularatne, Communications Officer, Email: akularatne@iom.int