Contrasting responses to migrant worker precarity in Canada and the United Arab Emirates

This study critically examines the protections and support services available to migrant workers who are vulnerable to labour exploitation in Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study addresses five key questions: (1) in what ways are precarious migrant workers vulnerable to labour exploitation; (2) how is labour exploitation addressed through international instruments; (3) what instruments and programs have the governments of Canada and the UAE adopted to protect precarious migrant workers; (4) how is civil society in Canada and the UAE responding to the needs of precarious migrant workers, and; (5) what can be done to ensure that precarious migrant workers in Canada and the UAE are protected against exploitation. The research methodology comprises a literature review and semi-structured interviews with fifteen service providers in Canada and the UAE. This study presents recommendations to address the vulnerabilities of migrant workers, and increase their access to supports when experiencing exploitation.