STREAM - Extending social protection to migrant workers and their families in the South Asia Gulf corridor

This project seeks to strengthen access to gender-sensitive social protection systems for migrant workers and their families along the South Asia-Gulf migration corridor. It aims to enhance their protection, well-being, and resilience against social and economic shocks while unlocking the development potential of migration. The initiative operates across key migration corridors between South Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a focus on addressing gender disparities and aligning policies with international labour standards. The project emphasizes four key outcomes. First, it aims to achieve policy and regulatory reforms that promote inclusive and gender-sensitive social protection systems. These reforms focus on critical areas such as employment injury insurance, maternity and health benefits, and end-of-service protections. South Asian countries adapt also unilateral social protection measures to better support their nationals working abroad. Second, the project seeks to enhance the effective and inclusive access to social protection provisions. This includes improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among migrant workers and other stakeholders through targeted awareness campaigns. Strengthened administrative systems ensure the delivery of benefits, while networks of gender-inclusive employers establish to advance good social protection practices. Improved legal support and case management systems facilitate access to justice for migrant workers. Third, the project prioritizes dialogue and coordination among stakeholders to advance the social protection of migrant workers. Platforms for tripartite and multi-stakeholder engagement strengthen at both national and regional levels, promoting cooperation on social protection portability and coordination mechanisms. These efforts aim to build a cohesive policy environment that addresses the needs of migrant workers across the corridor. Lastly, the project develops a robust evidence base to inform advocacy and policymaking. Research on the challenges and opportunities related to extending social protection to migrant workers to guide program interventions. A gender-sensitive social protection monitor establish to track progress, and advocacy campaigns amplify the voices of migrant workers, particularly women, to ensure their experiences and needs shape policy discussions. The project targets a 20% increase in migrant workers gaining access to social protection services and achieving positive changes in perceptions of social protection among key stakeholders. With the collaboration of governments, trade unions, employers, and civil society, this initiative aims to create sustainable, inclusive, and equitable social protection systems for migrant workers and their families. The success of this project relies on strong stakeholder commitment, timely implementation of interventions, and an enabling environment for ethical and risk-free research.

Project symbol

INT/24/01/MUL

Admin unit

DWT/CO-New Delhi
RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut

Start date

29/11/2024

End date

28/11/2028

Total allocation

7605490

Total expenditure

Status

Active

1389733

Development Partners

Multi donor funding to the STREAM Programme

Country/Countries

Asia and the Pacific - regional
Arab States - regional

Outcomes

Outcome 7: Universal social protection
Output A.2. Evidence-based research to promote the human-centred approach
Outcome 2: Strong, representative and influential tripartite constituents and effective social dialogue
Outcome 6: Protection at work for all
Output A.5. Enhanced communication for strengthened outreach and advocacy