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• Basic freedoms
Migrant workers and members of their family have the
right to leave their state of origin and to return, as provided
by the Convention (Art. I). Many migrants are living and
working in wretched conditions and are subject to physical
(and, sometimes sexual) abuse. The Convention states their
“right to life” (Art. 9) and protection from cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment (Art. 10), including slavery or servitude
and forced labor (Art. 11) are all human rights. Freedom to
express how you feel, act conscientiously, and worship as
you wish are rights migrant workers are entitled to (Art. 12),
as is the right have and express opinions (Art. 13). There shall
be no arbitrary confiscation of property (Art. 15).

• Due process
Migrant workers and their family are entitled to due process,
according to the Convention (Art. 16 - 20). Established
procedures must be followed in any investigation, arrest
or detention. Migrant workers and their family must be
afforded the same rights as a national of the country in which
they reside. Necessary legal assistance must be provided,
including a qualified interpreter and information they can
understand. If sentencing is necessary, the person's migrant
status should be taken into account, keeping in mind
humanitarian considerations. The arbitrary deportation of
migrant workers is unacceptable (Art. 22).

• Right to privacy
The honor, reputation and privacy of a migrant worker is
absolute, this extends to his or her home, family and any
communication they participate in (Art. 14).

• Equality with the country’s nationals
Migrant workers have the same rights as the nationals of
their host country with respect to compensation and
overtime, workday hours, weekly days of rest, paid holidays,
safety, well-being, ending of employment contract, age
requirements, restrictions on work they must complete in

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