This chapter is the subject of an interim revision of bilateral labour immigration agreements, in the light of human and workers` rights. The emphasis is on labour migration agreements, unlike other bilateral agreements adopted by states that could have an impact on migrant workers, such as readmission agreements or coordination agreements for social security agreements. However, as explained below, the issue of social security is of particular importance to migrant workers. This revision is provisional, as the chapter does not provide for a systematic analysis of a wide range of such agreements, but only selected agreements in regions of the world characterized by “corridors” of significant labour migration, in particular agreements between countries in Europe and Africa, as well as between countries in the Middle East and South and South-East Asia. Wickramasekara, P. and Ruhunage, L. K. (2018). Good practices and provisions in multilateral and bilateral labour contracts and declarations of intent by the International Labour Organization. 92P. Accessible: www.researchgate.net/publication/330933589_Research_report_on_good_practices_and_provisions_in_multilateral_and_bilateral_labour_agreements_and_memoranda_of_understanding BLAs can be a tool for better management of labour immigration in a triple-benefit scenario: sending countries, destination countries and migrant workers themselves. In addition, it may be a way for the sending country to ensure that migrant workers are employed and to provide appropriate employment schemes, in addition to ensuring that they fall under social protection (ILo/IOM/OSCE, 2007).
The BLAs describe the responsibilities and steps each party has to take to achieve their objectives. It is important to note that BLAs confer legally binding rights and obligations. An agreement is a general agreement of cooperation between states. Unlike BLAs, which are more detailed and specific, CEECs are characterized by a broader framework outlining common objectives and plans between the parties. They are generally not legally binding (Wickramasekara and Ruhunage, 2018). ILO/IOM/OSCE (2007). Manual for defining effective policies for labour migration in countries of origin and destination, International Labour Organization, International Organization for Migration, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. 248P. Accessible: www.osce.org/secretariat/19242 Panhuys, C. et al.
(2017). Migrants` access to social protection under bilateral employment contracts: review of 120 countries and nine bilateral agreements, ESS – Working paper n.