3b- Laos - LIDC- Limited Influence On Global Migration Flashcards
What is Laos situation in global migration and it’s economic situation
- Laos has limited influence over global migration system = Landlocked country surrounded by higher developed countries
- LIDC + high levels of poverty (GDP £1,660) = 22% below poverty line
- 75% employed in agriculture
- net migration loss is high + provides opportunities + challenges
What are the current patterns of immigration + emigration in Laos
- 1.2 million Laos migrants live abroad
- very low immigration to Laos
- majority of emigration= Thailand (950,000 laos)
What is the number one migrant destination for Laos
Thailand
What are the reasons for current patterns of emigration to Thailand from Laos
- Dissatisfaction of working in farming = main sector of employment + provides little financial gain in Laos
- Lack of alternative occupations
- Motivation to follow others who returned from financially successful migrations
- Daily min wage in Thailand = 300 baht
Compared to 80 baht in Laos - Huge demand for unskilled labour in Thailand’s rapidly growing economy = Laos has low levels of education which supports this
How have migrations to Thailand been made easier
- familiarity with Thai culture + language
- pro emigration policy of Loas
Why has the Loas government been forced to put migration policies in place
- Issue of human trafficking
- vulnerability of young migrants in forced labour + sex exploitation is a major concern
Economic impacts of interdependence with Thailand
- Laos-Thailand migration corridor is dominated by outward flow of unskilled Laotians to work in Thailand
- contribute to Thai economy in construction + agriculture
- Remittance payments assist development of Laos
Political impacts of interdependence with Thailand
- Laos-Thailand cooperation committee established = strengthens communication + trade = Thailand is Laos primary access to the sea for trade
- Thailand as a result of relationship funded health service development in Laos
- Laos signed agreements to build rail links In 2012 between Thailand-Vietnam = opening up opportunities for trade + development with other countries eg: China
Why does Loas struggle to monitor + control migration
- it’s a LIDC
- cannot function as a AC due to a lack of resources + development
- means that while many opportunities are created by migration challenges are faced to
Opportunities of migration between Laos + Thailand
1- One of the largest corridors within ASEAN = stimulates political + economic cooperation in terms of trade, investment + development projects
= 400 investment projects set up by Vietnam in Laos due to Bilateral relations
2- Migrants remittances are very important = 22% of Laos families live below poverty line = economic impact of money on local + National scale ranging from buying domestic items to agricultural machinery
3- Political stability improving between Laos, Thailand + Vietnam
Challenges of migration between Laos + Thailand
1- large amount of illegal migration = vulnerable to human trafficking + exploitation . Additionally Laos government policies have been difficult to implement
2- Loss of skilled labour eg Carpenters + mechanics to Thailand = brain drain
- this is set to increase If wage differentials remain high + movement becomes easier between ASEAN communities
3- Laos garment industry is the largest sector of manufacturing enrolment = growth depend on improving working conditions + retention of young female workers seeking higher wages
Summary of opportunities + challenges of migration between Loas + Thailand
+ Loas gains an increased GDP allowing it to develop and has increased relations with developing countries providing opportunities for investment
- Laos loses majority of its workforce both skilled + unskilled making problems for it in the future + reducing its ability to develop
Large amount of human rights violations did e to illegal migration + vulnerability to trafficking
What percentage of Loas population live below poverty line
22%
Why does Laos have a limited impact over global migration due to physical factors
Land-locked country
What is the GDP per capita of Laos (similar to Haiti)
£1,600
What percentage of Laos are employed in agriculture
75%
How many Laos people live in Thailand
950,000
How many people from Laos live abroad
1.2 million
what is the minimum wage difference between Laos and Thailand
80 baht - 300 baht
What have the Laos PDR Government introduced to tackle trafficking
National Plan of action for human trafficking
What are the 3 strands/Ideas for the National Plan for Human Trafficking in Laos
prevention - media campaigns + education
protection - Reintegration of returning migrants = providing counselling for women
Prosecution - Investigation of Trafficking networks
How does being a member of ASEAN affect Laos migration
New rules allow freer movement of labour after 2015 especially for skilled workers
how many people in Laos become migrants per 1000
1
what did Laos agree to in 2012 that will open it up for outward investment
Building of High speed- Rail between Thailand and Vietnam
Who do the Laos PDR ministry of labour work with to reduce human trafficking and strengthen Migration Policies
UN agencies - UNICEF
NGOs - Save the children
Give an example of human trafficking problem at Laos
Trafficking of 24 underage Footballers from Liberia to Laos to play for Champasak United
total amount of remittances received for Laos and evaluation of why its not as high as expected
£440 million
Laos migrants limited by geographical proximity to emerging economy’s such a Thailand instead of ACs where wages would be higher
Laos population is much smaller in comparison to countries such as India
