Consultant to Research on Seasonal Labor Migration to Thailand

Terms of Reference

About the Program

This research project is commissioned by the USAID Asia Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) program, a seven-year (2016-2023) regional program that focuses on transnational and regional challenges to combat trafficking in persons. The program, implemented by Winrock International, aims to reduce the trafficking of persons in Asia through coordinated and consolidated action by governments, civil society, and businesses that will foster cross-border cooperation, develop opportunities for private-sector leadership, and improve the quality of data associated with human trafficking. ­­

Context

According to Foreign Workers Administration Office (FWAO), Thailand houses more than 1.5 million foreign workers from four neighboring countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) which make up around 3 percent of its labor force (Sakulsri, 2020). With more than 650,000 of its workers filling Thailand’s labor shortages and contributing to the economy, Cambodia is one of the major sending countries in the migration corridors to Thailand (IOM and ARCM, 2019). FWAO also reports on the number of seasonal migrants coming to Thailand, which was at its peak of 65,991 workers in December 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced its decline to 23,355 workers in May 2020 and eventually to ­­zero from June 2020 until present.¹¹ The border pass that the workers used is prescribed in Section 64 of the Thai Foreigners’ Working Management Decree and is designed for migrant seeking seasonal work in Thailand. Evidence suggests that the current border pass policies, which include seasonal work visa, may be overly complex and do not provide adequate protection for migrant workers.

Objectives

The purpose of this research is to explore the current policies pertaining to seasonal migrant workers in Thailand, particularly from Cambodia, identify areas of vulnerabilities, and risks of exploitation. The research will also provide evidence-based recommendations to concerned government agencies in Thailand and Cambodia to reduce seasonal migrants’ vulnerability to human trafficking and to encourage their labor and social protection in Thailand.

Proposal Selection

The total budget of the research will be approximately 30,000 USD. The research is anticipated to commence ASAP or March 1^st latest, with a strict deadline of June 1^st, 2021.

For this research, the term “seasonal migrant workers” follows the United Nations (1998) definition and refers to “persons employed by a country other than their own for only part of a year because the work they perform depends on seasonal conditions. They are a subcategory of foreign migrant workers.”²

The primary scope of this research will focus on risks and vulnerability faced by Cambodian seasonal workers in Thailand. With this primary focus, the research will explore:

• Thailand’s seasonal migrant visa policy framework and the specific vulnerabilities faced by Cambodian seasonal workers across all sectors in Thailand;

• current social and labor protection frameworks for workers under the seasonal migrant visa and identify areas where policies and their implementation can be strengthened;

• additional dimensions, such as existing labor and legal frameworks, costs of migration, migration processes, and other areas that contribute to increased vulnerability and risk of exploitation of seasonal migrant workers; and

• The protective measures that are being implemented and their enforcement.

In addition, the research must provide evidence-based recommendations to the concerned government institutions in both countries to reduce seasonal migrant workers’ vulnerabilities and risks.

Optional subtopics: Applicants are encouraged to include one or both sub-topics below in their research proposal, indicating the sub-topics that will be included in the research and how much of the overall research effort will be allotted to the primary focus and the selected sub-topics.

• The usage of technology, such as Doc2Work application, in reducing risks faced by seasonal workers employed in the Cambodia-Thailand corridor

• The role of the private sector in the protection of seasonal migration workers in Thailand

Research Design

The research design should include a literature review of relevant grey and academic literature, alongside current policies. The research should also include qualitative interviews with key stakeholders such as seasonal migrant workers, immigration officials, employers, and CSOs to explore the real-world implementations of relevant policies and capture other dimensions of vulnerabilities. There is flexibility in the research design, however, and all applicants are encouraged to propose designs that best answer the research question.

Key deliverables and timeline

Application Information

All forms in the application package must be typed in English and include:

1. A full proposal. Proposals must be 4 pages or less (excluding required attachments below). Please use the following outline:

Background. Describe the experience of each researcher or research team with counter trafficking in persons and/or labor migration.

Research focus. Present each of the following:

• specific research questions that your project will address;

• methodology, including any aspects related to gender or marginalized groups; and

• ethical guidelines to be followed and assurances of trauma informed data collection tools and methods.

Involvement of key decision-makers.³ Discuss how the project will influence policy through the engagement of key decision-makers. (For example, key decision-makers may be involved in one or more of the following: helping to define the research methodology; data collection and/or analysis; implementing resulting recommendations for policies; etc.).

2. Required attachments. Please include only the following attachments.

1. CVs. Provide curriculum vitae for each key person involved in the project.

1. Project budget.

1. Writing Sample. Please include a past report that demonstrates writing ability

Interested research teams or individuals are asked to submit their application by February 4th, 2022 to USAIDASIACTIP@winrock.org with “Application for Seasonal Migration Research” in the subject line. USAID Asia CTIP team will carefully examine all completed proposals. Successful applicants will be notified via email and enter the selection process. Should you have any questions, please contact USAIDASIACTIP@winrock.org.

Evaluation Criteria

The research proposal should demonstrate experience with and knowledge of research design, development of measurement for migrant workers’ vulnerability and social protection, data validation, sampling methods, and knowledge of concepts surrounding trafficking in persons. Special consideration will be given to proposals that consider gender perspectives and social inclusion.

Applicants may choose to apply as an individual, an organization, or a team of researchers. The principal researcher should have at least a master’s degree in a relevant field and research experience. Winrock encourages principal researchers to include research assistants, taking into consideration graduate students or junior professional researchers.

Preference will be given to research teams who speak local languages and have direct experience working with migrants and other actors involved in the recruitment process, e.g., employers and government agencies. Joint teams with researchers from both Thailand and Cambodia are strongly encouraged to apply.

Adjustments for COVID-19

The research must be conducted in compliance with Thailand’s laws and regulations, especially measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collection may employ online platforms or phone calls when necessary to mitigate exposure to health risks for the research team and participants.