Economic and Financial Analysis for the project TRIANGLE Partnerships

Situation

Labor migration is a central feature of the economic and social dynamics of the ASEAN region, driven by disparities in development, demographic changes, and evolving labor market needs across countries. The region includes both major labor-sending and labor-receiving countries, with millions of workers moving within and beyond ASEAN in search of employment opportunities. In several destination countries, migrant workers account for a significant share of the labor force, while remittances constitute an important source of income in countries of origin. At the same time, migration systems remain complex and often characterized by high recruitment costs, limited access to protection, skills mismatches, and barriers to recognition of qualifications, particularly for low-skilled workers. TRIANGLE Partnerships has been designed as a multi-country program that aims to improve labor migration outcomes through coordinated action at regional, national, and local levels. The program focuses on strengthening migration governance systems, enhancing access to skills development and recognition, and improving protection and services for migrant workers, while promoting more efficient and inclusive labor markets. Its design reflects the need to align regional frameworks, national policies, and local implementation mechanisms in order to deliver results in a complex and highly differentiated context. BFH HAFL conducted an ex- ante Economic and Financial Analysis for the program.