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Being a migrant worker in Europe often means being drastically underpaid, working in very poor conditions, and being exposed to harm. Work permits are few and often so restrictive that they make workers dependent on exploitative employers. Workers who try to stand up for their rights risk detention and deportation.

We call for decent labour migration pathways, and for systems that protect the rights of all workers

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Children, Families and Youth Criminalisation Detention and Deportations Digital Technologies Gender Equality Health Housing and Anti-Poverty Justice and Policing Regularisation

Related publications

Read our publications to learn about how migration policies shape our societies and the lives of undocumented people, and how they can be improved.

2023
Work

Labour migration policies Case study series: Canada

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Work

Break the chain of dependency and promote equal treatment of migrant workers

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Work

Labour migration policies Case study series Portugal

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Work

Labour migration policies Case study series Poland

2022
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Labour migration policies Case study series Ireland

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Related blogs

Read our blogs to learn about laws, policies and issues that affect undocumented people.

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12.04.24 Migrant workers: EU Council greenlights measures to reduce dependency on employers Read more
28.09.23 Sweden: new law set to dismantle country’s broad work permit system 07.04.23 Labour migration policies in Portugal 22.02.23 Labour migration policies in Ireland
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Despite the huge demand for workforce, it’s incredibly difficult to come and work regularly in Europe. Work permits are few, and those that exist too often leave migrant workers at the mercy of exploitative employers. We can change this. More and decent work permits mean that we can answer the huge demand for workforce and respect every person’s work.

Fair labour migration: why we need decent work permits in Europe - 01:53

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What does it mean to work without documents? Monica, Fortunat, Myriam and Rabia tell us about the exploitation they experienced as undocumented workers in Europe, and the impossibility of denouncing their abusive employers.

A Worker is A Worker - 02:25

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Ensuring that regulations on working conditions and safety apply in all workplaces, for all workers, is essential to promote decent work for all. For undocumented workers, contact with labour inspectors usually puts them at risk of arrest and deportation. This means they cannot file a complaint against their employer if they are not being paid, are being made to work excessive hours or in unsafe conditions, or are facing harassment, intimidation or other types of exploitation. A “firewall” in labour allows workers to safely file a complaint and access justice; it empowers workers, tackles abuses, and promotes fair business practices.

Firewall and Labour - 02:15