Public Attitudes Towards Migrant Workers in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand

This joint report by ILO and UN Women, conducted under TRIANGLE in ASEAN (ILO) and Safe and Fair (ILO and UN Women) projects, examines public attitudes towards migrant workers in four key Asian destination countries—Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the European Union, the study tracks changes since a similar 2010 survey, revealing a decline in overall support for migrant workers and persistent discriminatory attitudes, despite some progress in attitudes toward gender-responsive policies.

Findings highlight limited public knowledge about migrant workers and emphasize that relationships with migrants are a key driver of support. Encouragingly, respondents expressed support for maternity leave, the recognition of care work as a profession, shelters for women migrant workers facing violence, and stronger enforcement against gender-based violence.

This publication underscores the importance of addressing discriminatory attitudes, enhancing public understanding, and promoting inclusive and gender-responsive policies to protect the rights and dignity of migrant workers, particularly women.