Case study of one LIDC to show how it has limited influence over and restricted response to the global migration system. Illustrate economic, political and social factors which explain (Laos) Flashcards
What is some general info about Laos?
Laos is a landlocked LIDC of 6.8 million people located in Southeast Asia.
It is a poor country with 73% employed in agriculture.
Net migration is loss is high (1.1 migrants per 1000)
What is the pattern of emigration and immigration?
In 2013, 1.29 million Laos born emigrants lived abroad, mainly in Thailand but only 20,000 foreign born immigrants, mainly vietnamese, lived in Laos.
What are the main reasons for emigration to Thailand?
Many of those working on the land are subsistence farmers so farming holds no promise of financial gain or personal independence.
There is a lack of alternative occupations in rural areas.
There is insufficient land available for farming and periodic drought which leads to food insecurity.
How have migrations been made easier?
Familiarity with Thai culture and language.
Improved access across the Mekong.
Use of ‘brokers to reach Thai boarder and access to employment in Thailand.
What are the migration policies in Laos?
Laos is a source country for human trafficking.
2013 - 36% of the population is under the age of 15.
Vulnerable young migrants forced into labour and sex exploitation in Thailand,
Government policy has been ineffective - young migrants don’t obtain the right passports and get fines on the return.
What has the plan of action been in the Laos PDR government?
Prevention - awareness campaigns, education, child protection, alleviation of poverty reducing the need to migrate.
Protection - repatriation and reintegration of returning migrants, including shelters for women who may need counselling.
Prosecution - investigation of trafficking networks, training boarder officials, strengthening legal framework.
What does it mean as a ASEAN member?
Laos is subject to its laws on migration.
The newly formed ASEAN Economic Community aims to allow freer movement of skilled labour from 2015.
Mutual Recognition Agreements allow professionals employed in nursing, medicine, medicine, dentistry, architecture and tourism after 5 years of working in their country of origin.
How is independence between countries linked to Laos by migration?
The Laos-Thailand migration corridor is dominated numerically by the outward flow of unskilled Laotians to work in Thailand. Their contribution to the Thai economy is in construction, agriculture, fisheries and factory work; remittances assist development in Laos.
The Laos-Thailand Cooperation Committee has been established; completion of the latest friendship bridge has helped strengthen communication and trade - Thailand is the principle access to the sea for Laos. Thailand has funded a large health service development and drugs treatment centre in Laos.
What opportunities are there?
The migration corridor between Laos and Thailand is one of the largest within ASEAN. It has helped to stimulate political and economic co-operation in terms of trade, investment, development projects and security.
Migrant remittances are very important to the life of returnees and their families. In Laos, 22% of families live below the poverty line and the economic impact of this money on local and national development ranges from purchase of a simple domestic appliances to agricultural machinery.
What are some of the challenges?
There is a loss of skilled labour such as carpenters and mechanics in Thailand. This is set to increase if wage differentials remain high and there is freer movement in the ASEAN Economic Community.
Laos garment industry is the largest sector of manufacturing employment, but its growth depends on improved working conditions in the factories of the Laos capital, Vientiane, and retention of the many young female workers who many leave seeking higher wages in Thailand..
