Abstract
The portability of social insurance entitlements across borders is a critical determinant of migrant welfare and a key mechanism for maximising the development gains of labour migration. This paper maps the landscape of bilateral and multilateral social security agreements among major South–South migration corridors, assessing coverage, scope, and implementation effectiveness.
Introduction
International labour migration generates substantial welfare gains for migrant workers, yet these gains are frequently diminished by the loss of accumulated social insurance entitlements — particularly pensions and occupational injury benefits — upon crossing national borders. Globally, fewer than 200 bilateral social security agreements (BSSAs) are in force, with coverage severely limited in South–South corridors where migration volumes are highest.
Key Findings
Our analysis of 24 major South–South migration corridors finds that fewer than 30% are covered by any formal portability arrangement, and only 12% have arrangements that extend to non-contributory social assistance schemes. Implementation gaps are pervasive even where legal frameworks exist, driven by weak administrative capacity and limited inter-agency coordination.