Studies prepared by the ILO and global unions suggest that migrant workers are vulnerable to abuses in the form of low wages, poor working conditions, a virtual absence of social protection, discrimination, xenophobia, social exclusion and a denial of their rights as workers and of the right to freedom of association. Used as a source of cheap labour, migrant workers' problems, sacrifices and contributions to the economies of both the host countries and their countries of origin are too often unacknowledged.

Migration is first and foremost a labour issue, concerning the movement of workers who cross borders to find employment. It is also about the necessity of equal treatment for these workers and about their working conditions and rights.

The purpose of this manual is to guide the trade union movement's ability to participate in the shaping of migration policies by promoting sound labour migration practices and reaching out to migrant workers. Its aim is to ensure that the benefits of migration are maximized for the countries of origin as well as destination countries, and for both migrant and non-migrant workers.