KUALA LUMPUR -  According to new data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Lao migrant workers sent home more than USD366 million in the first six months of 2025.

The ministry said worker migration has grown steadily over the past five years, with 350,567 Lao nationals employed abroad between 2021 and 2025.

Out of the total remittances, USD32.5 million was transferred through the banking system, including USD8.3 million through the Indochina Bank and USD24.2 million via the Lao Foreign Trade Bank.

The update was presented at a meeting on safe and legal overseas employment held this week at the Khammuan Technical and Vocational College.

The meeting was co-chaired by Provincial Party Committee member Sinnason Sengchanthavong and Deputy Director of the Department of Employment under the ministry, Vanny Keovongxay.

Mrs Vanny said that overseas jobs continue to provide important economic gains for Lao citizens, while remittances remain vital for family welfare and national development.

The ministry said it will keep working with partner countries and related agencies to ensure safe, legal, and productive migration pathways for Lao workers.

Meeting chairs stressed the need to give clear information on migration procedures to people aiming to work in countries such as Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

They said proper guidance is needed to help workers avoid fake recruitment offers and unsafe migration channels.

Speakers noted that migration is a global trend driven by the search for better wages, improved living standards, and greater financial stability.

They added that poverty, harsh climate conditions, environmental damage, political tensions, and conflict also push many people to seek work abroad.

The meeting also highlighted that many migrants still face exploitation, unsafe workplaces, rights violations, and the risk of human trafficking.

To address these issues, the government has strengthened laws and regulations on employment services and migration.

The government has also increased cooperation with Thailand, South Korea, and Japan to improve protection for Lao workers overseas.

Officials said Laos now has 48 employment service enterprises, 18 provincial service centres, 41 district job service points, six migrant information centres, and one migrant worker assistance centre.

The meeting formed part of the PROMISE II project, which is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through the International Organisation for Migration.

The project, running from 2021 to 2025, aims to promote safe migration, prevent human trafficking, and improve labour mobility.

Participants at the meeting received information on safe and legal migration and guidance on the required procedures for working abroad.

The event also featured surveys, discussions, Q&A sessions, and quiz-style learning activities to engage all attendees.