KQ3: LAOS case study Flashcards
What is the impact of Laos on the global migration system?
Very limited influence and restricted ability to respond to change in the global migration system
What is Laos’ geographical position?
Landlocked nation in the southeast of Asia
Is Laos an LIDC or EDC?
LIDC
What is the population of Laos>?
7.4 million as of 2021
What is Laos’s GDP as of 2021? how has this change from 2014?
US$2535 as of 2021 up from US$1660 in 2014
What percentage of people are employed in agriculture?
73% at one point
How many Laos-born immigrants live abroad?
In 2013, 1.29 million lived abroad mainly in Thailand (930,000) and USA (200,000)
How many emigrants are in Laos?
20,000 foreign born, mainly Vietnamese
Give 6 reasons why people from Laos migrate to Thailand?
- Lack of education mean that Laos has a large stock of workers who are generally unskilled, Thailand has an insatiable demand for low skilled labour in it’s rapidly growing economy
- Average daily minimum wage in Thailand is 300baht in Laos it’s 80 baht, many families rely on migrant remittances for income
- Subsistence farming often holds little financial or personal independence
- Insufficient land available for farming which leads to food insecurity and droughts occur periodically
- Lack of income generating activities in rural areas
Explain 2 reasons why many young people migrate to Thailand.
- common goal is to support themselves and improve their family’s economic status in order to fulfil their dreams. In many cases, migration is a coping strategy in response to family debt due to failed harvests as the consequence of climate change and environment destruction
- Many people drop out of primary and secondary education at a young age
Give 3 ways that migration to Thailand has been made easier
- Familiarity with Thai culture and language
- Improved access Mekong
- Access to ‘brokers’ on Thai border
What percentage of the population was under 15 in 2013?
36%
Why is trafficking a concern?
In Laos where 36% of population in 2013 were under 15, there were an increasing number of entrants into a workforce with very limited opportunities. The vulnerability of young migrants to forced labour and sex exploitation is of major concern to both Thai and Laos government. One example was the trafficking of football players from Liberia to Laos to play for Champasak united
Who does the Laos government work with after government policies proved to be ineffective?
Lao PDR ministry of labour and social welfare and the ministry of public security work with organisations such as IOM, UN agencies such as ILO and UNICEF, Save the children to implement a more stringent anti-trafficking policy
What are the 3 strands for the National Plan of Action for Human Trafficking ?
- Prevention- awareness campaigns, education and alleviation of poverty to reduce the need to migrate
- Protection- reintegration of returning migrants and shelters for women who may need counselling
- Prosecution- strengthen legal work frame, training border officials and investigating trafficking networks
How do ASEAN policies impact Laos?
Being a member means Laos is subject to it’s laws, this means that mutual recognition agreement allow people employed in dentistry, medicine, nursing, architecture and tourism to have greater freedom of movement across the ASEAN bloc after 5 years of working in their own country
How do ASEAN policies impact Laos?
Being a member means Laos is subject to it’s laws, this means that mutual recognition agreement allow people employed in dentistry, medicine, nursing, architecture and tourism to have greater freedom of movement across the ASEAN bloc after 5 years of working in their own country
What is the interdependence of Thailand and Laos?
- Dominated outward flow of unskilled Laotians who take up low skilled jobs in Thailand, in construction, agriculture and fisheries .etc whilst sending back remittances
Give 3 ways that Thailand and Laos relationship has increased
- Construction of latest friendship bridge to strengthen communication
- Laos-Thailand cooperation committee set up- Thailand is Laos’ principal access to the sea
- Thailand has funded a large health service development and drug treatment centre
What is the joint role between Thailand and Laos in terms of the Mekong?
- Both are members of COMMIT, tackling trafficking across the river
- members of the Mekong River commission who work to manage flooding and economic activities in the basin and the hydropower project
Give 4 opportunities created as a result of flows between Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
- One of the largest migration corridors in ASEAN which has helped to stimulate political and economic co-operation in terms of trade and security
- Bilateral relations with Vietnam extend beyond reciprocal migration. There is economic co-operation, with Vietnam involved in over 400 investment projects in Laos
- Political stability is improving between Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
- Many families rely on migrant remittances. Around 22% of the population live below poverty, these private funds can aid development at a local and national scale, from purchasing basic domestic appliances to agricultural machinery
Give 4 challenges created as a result of flows between Laos, Vietnam and Thailand.
- there is a loss of skilled migrants to Thailand including mechanics and carpenters. This is set to increase if wage differentials remain high and there is freer movement in the ASEAN economic community
- The garment industry is the largest manufacturing sector. It’s growth depends highly on the working conditions in factories, especially in the capital, Vientiane, and the retention of female workers who may migrate to Thailand in search of higher wages
3.Many migrants under 18 are vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking and forced labour. The success of government policies is dependent on the cooperation by transnational governance by organisations such as ILO and IOM
