Feasibility study on the establishment of a regional qualifications framework in South Asian countries

This report provides a comparative framework of the skills and qualifications of the existing and future migrant workers in South Asia. It is aimed at bringing equal opportunities and fairness in the recruitment process and remunerations linked with it. It also captures the process undertaken to develop the framework. This feasibility study was commissioned by ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for South Asia and was based on several of the national, regional and global discussions on labour migration, recommending the development of a regional framework to recognize qualifications...  [+] Show more

This report provides a comparative framework of the skills and qualifications of the existing and future migrant workers in South Asia. It is aimed at bringing equal opportunities and fairness in the recruitment process and remunerations linked with it. It also captures the process undertaken to develop the framework. This feasibility study was commissioned by ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for South Asia and was based on several of the national, regional and global discussions on labour migration, recommending the development of a regional framework to recognize qualifications across borders as a means to facilitate and improve outcomes of labour mobility. The framework will enable employers in countries of destination to compare qualifications of the workers across several countries of origin, and to implement evidence-based selection procedures. A regional framework will also contribute to a more level playing field that is based on the competency of the workers, and not their ability to pay high recruitment fees. The framework will be the basis for the development of the recommended mechanism that will enable the mobility of workers, contributing to ongoing initiatives to further strengthen good governance of labour migration.

This report is in four parts: Part A outlines an overview of regional qualifications frameworks. Part B outlines a summary of the findings of the desk review, survey and initial interviews in relation to the current status of national qualifications frameworks and quality assurance in South Asian member states. Part C outlines the findings of the second interviews including: roadmap with broad timelines and milestones; identified synergies or connections within the region; broad estimation of scope of work and costs; and pre-conditions to formulating and establishing a regional qualifications framework. Part D includes brief feedback from the interviewees in relation to the draft Concept Paper for the South Asian Qualifications Reference Framework (SAQRF). Appendix 2 includes a draft of the SAQRF. This draft reflects changes as the result of the consultations, and reflects the current status of South Asia in terms of quality assurance and linkages with other regional frameworks. It provides the basis for establishing governance arrangements and focuses on key structures within the proposed SAQRF.

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website.