MMN and Mekong Institute (MI) conducted a regional training course on Labor Migration Management in the Greater Mekong Sub-region from the 1st to 18th of December, 2009, following the success of the 1st training in 2008. This training course aimed to enhance capacity of policy makers and implementers of concerned ministries in labour migration management and to foster cooperation among the concerned countries and ministries. 18 government officials from the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior /Immigration, Police and other agencies in the six countries actively participated in the 3 week long training course.

The course curriculum included the overview of and discussion on various migration patterns, global/regional trends and responses, international standards, labour and social issues, bilateral/multilateral agreements and policy formulation.

Various teaching methodologies were employed, such as group work, role plays, debate, roundtable discussion, and exposure trip.

Participants were divided into small mix-country groups, and at the end of the course, they presented their concrete action plans which they commit to carry out in succeeding 6 months as well broader action plans that they hope to implement in 3-5 years. This is to encourage participants to translate new ideas acquired during the training course into practice at their work back home. MMN and MI will follow up on the action plans and provide necessary supports.

MMN and MI will assess the outcome and further revise the training curriculums for future training courses. In addition to the 3 week long training course, MMN and MI plan to co-organise more activities on labour migration in the GMS in 2010-2011.

Opening ceremony

Mapping migration in the GMS

Working with flip charts

Case studies

Role play for “changing working conditions”