I. Core Programmes
Advocacy and lobbying
Advocacy and lobbying
APMM conducts a comprehensive advocacy program to help in the establishment and strengthening of migrant workers’ organizations, especially in APMM’s focus areas. This encompasses the mission, network building and linkaging efforts of the APMM. Incorporated here is the internship program that the APMM continues to develop in partnership with schools and institutions. Interns and volunteers are welcome to participate and help in understanding more about labor migration and contributing to the advocacy work of the APMM.
Education and research
Education and research
The APMM seeks to raise the migrant workers’ consciousness and capacities as well as encourage the growth of their own organizations. Research serves as an important part in the overall education, awareness and advocacy initiatives of APMM. In addition to research, the program releases various publications whenever we can.
Organizing and Network Building
Empowerment
We work directly with migrants, engaging them to take action in various migrant issues. We do this by: Partnering with migrant organizations in conducting campaigns, conferences and other initiatives. We also hold leadership and capacity-building workshops with and for them. Working with various faith groups, service institutions, grassroots sectoral organizations, human rights groups and universities, etc. to work towards a common goal of basic human rights; Ensuring coordination with our area coordinators and partners in the APME regions including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia; Being actively involved in regional and global networking.
Women’s program
Women’s Program
With almost two thirds of migrants being women, APMM gives primary emphasis to its women’s program. We believe that organizing work needs to be sensitized to women’s concerns in conjunction with migrant workers’ rights.
II. Themes
Undocumented Migrants Program
Undocumented Migrants Program
No one wants to be illegal – this is APMM’s position on the issue of undocumented migrants. Some of the factors contributing to migrants becoming undocumented or falling into an irregular situation include: (a) the lack of protection mechanisms in host countries for distressed migrants; (b) existing policies that limit the rights and freedoms of migrants; and (c) the view of migrants as a national security concern more than as people with human rights. This program advocates for the recognition of the rights, wellbeing and dignity of undocumented migrants, and calls for a stop to their arrest, detention and deportation.
Migrant Trade Unionism
Migrant Trade Unionism
An overwhelming majority of migrants across Asia Pacific are workers, and have to be approached as such in terms of organizing and advocacy. This program aims to promote the organization and inclusion of migrant workers into local trade unions in their respective host countries. This way, migrant workers can bargain collectively for their economic and social welfare, and to further serve as enduring platforms for comprehensive capacity-building. Currently, we are initiating dialogues between migrant workers’ associations and local trade unions to discuss issues confronting them as workers and develop initiatives for cooperation and possibilities of unionization of migrant workers. In some countries like New Zealand, Australia and South Korea, trade unions have started recruiting migrant workers as members and recognizing their respective unions.
Empowering Marriage Migrants Program
Empowering Marriage Migrants Program
Marrying a local of another country and deciding to live there with their spouse makes one a marriage migrant. Largely composed of women coming from developing countries, marriage migrants are confronted with problems related to their immigration status, access to services and employment in the host countries, as well as domestic violence, discrimination, and concerns relating to their children. The Empowering Marriage Migrants program wishes to address these concerns by developing advocacies, researches and workshops, among many other initiatives, at the national, regional and global levels. APMM partners with the Alliance of Marriage Migrants’ Organizations for Rights and Empowerment (AMM♀RE), the first ever platform for marriage migrants, advocates and service providers. The APMM is the secretariat for this platform.
Development and Forced Migration Program
Development and Forced Migration Program
The Development and Forced Migration program develops critical positions on the migration and development discussions. It analyzes migration and development from the framework of the human rights of migrants, addressing root causes of forced migration, and seeks to mobilize grassroots migrants in advocacy and engagement in official spaces. This program also aims to deepen the study and monitoring of economic partnership and bilateral agreements in and outside the ASEAN area. APMM initiated the formation of the Migrants Caucus on the ASEAN, a network of organizations and institutions from ASEAN countries who advocate for the rights and well-being of migrants. APMM serves as the secretariat of this network.
Domestic Work as Work Program
Domestic Work as Work Program
Domestic workers are frequently referred to as domestic ‘helpers’. APMM campaigns for the recognition of domestic work as work. Through this program, we link up with various grassroots migrant organizations as well as regional platforms to drumbeat the campaign at the international and national levels. We are currently campaigning closely in APME countries for the ratification of Domestic Workers Convention of the International Labor Organization (ILO C189).
Founded in 1984, the APMM is a registered non-profit limited company with charitable status in Hong Kong.