Mutual Recognition Arrangements

Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) in ASEAN facilitate intra-regional mobility of skilled labour from eight distinct categories – engineering services, nursing services, architectural services, dental practitioners, medical practitioners, accountancy services, tourism professionals and surveying professionals. Given the terms and conditions spelt out in the MRA frameworks, it is pertinent to note that this group of high-skilled labour makes up only five percent of intra-ASEAN migrant labour mobility. Majority of the labour flow comprises low-skilled migrants. The pattern of movement is usually from developing states to more developed or developed ASEAN states. It is necessary to manage and facilitate mobility of this majority without compromising their welfare. There is an urgent requirement for an MRA framework that regulates and assists low-skilled labour mobility. These migrants are especially susceptible to exploitation and abuse. In many instances, they are driven to work in the informal sector by desperate situations. This is the group of migrant labour that ASEAN demands the most for economic development and progress.

An MRA framework for low-skilled migrants could simplify procedures related to skills recognition, skills matching, obtaining work permits or visas and most importantly, it would cut red tape. Duplicate administrative costs and processes can be removed. Sending and receiving countries can take this opportunity to strengthen bilateral collaboration. Information asymmetry can be minimised. Ideally, the framework could spell out requirements, rules and regulations of the receiving country. It could also incorporate the rights of low-skilled migrant workers. All the information in the framework would have to be communicated to potential low-skilled migrants in languages that they best comprehend. It should be ensured that they are left with no doubts. Preferably, this should be done by the sending country, prior to departure. Many of these migrants, for various reasons, are not completely aware of their expected conduct in the receiving country. Many of them are ignorant of their terms of employment and entitlements. Their lack of education makes them more vulnerable. Even if an MRA framework does not fulfil the suggested requirements, it could pave the way for coherent, congruent and consistent employment procedures.

When the majority of intra-ASEAN labour mobility is encouraged by a common standard, sustainable productivity can be enhanced. This benefits states and the entire region. The effect of the whole would be greater than the sum of its parts. ASEAN’s underlying principles of consensus and non-interference may pose a challenge to designing a common framework for low-skilled labour mobility. Perhaps it is time for states that are willing and able to move ahead first, while the rest reconsider their position. There has to be a starting point somewhere for removing barriers to low-skilled migrant labour mobility.