Migration is a permanent feature of contemporary life and can take many forms. People move from one place to another within their countries of residence and they also cross borders. People move for different reasons: as a consequence of the absence of decent work or as a means to securing a sustainable livelihood in their countries of origin; to seek or take up work; to reunite with their families or study; or they may move to escape persecution or hardship. The constant within all migratory flows is that they are made up of humans, and these humans have the same fundamental rights inherent to all individuals. This includes the right to health. In the context of the global response to contain the HIV epidemic, full enjoyment of the right to health should include appropriate and confidential testing, counselling, medical care and social support for all people living with HIV (PLHIV), including migrants.

This report provides an analysis of the underlying issues around health and HIV in the context of labour migration. An overview of contemporary migration, with a focus on labour migration, is provided as basis to frame the discussion