The Poverty Reduction through Safe Migration, Skills Development and Enhanced Job Placement in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Thailand (PROMISE) project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to improve the employability of migrants; to promote safe migration from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar into Thailand; and to contribute to poverty reduction in the region.

The programme will be led by IOM, and co-implemented by UN Women, in partnership with the private sector, regional bodies, participating country governments, national training institutions, civil society and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Private sector engagement is at the core of PROMISE initiative in recognition of the critical role of employers in ensuring greater protection of migrant workers. The programme will establish partnerships with employers in Thailand and skill development partners in the countries of origin to develop new cross-border models of market-driven migrant skills training. It will also improve access to skills training for migrants already working in Thailand in construction, manufacturing and hospitality.

Other programme components will focus on migrant protection through the promotion of ethical recruitment, migrant worker empowerment and support to regional, bilateral and national efforts in these areas. In addition, PROMISE will also broaden opportunities for returning migrants to use their human, social and financial capital through enhanced job placement services and entrepreneurial support.