Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The focus of this work is on the protection of the rights of migrant workers and their families in countries of employment under international human rights law. The rights under examination are economic, social, cultural, political, and residence rights, which are arguably of most concern to migrants once they are in the host country. For the purpose of this study, economic and social rights are defined as follows: employment rights, which incorporate the right to equal treatment with nationals in respect of work and employment conditions and the right of access to employment; trade union rights; social security rights; the right to health, which covers rights to healthcare and occupational health and safety; the right to housing, including private ownership of property; the right to family reunion; and the right to education, which comprises both the education of mi grant children and workers ‘ education, such as vocational training and langu:-tge instruction. The cultural rights of migrant workers and their families embrace the right to retain and develop their culture and language as well as the right of the children of migrants to be taught their culture and language or to be educated in their language. The political rights of migrants encompass a right to political activity and a general right to participate in the decision-making process con cerning their interests, including the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in local elections.