This course offers an in-depth exploration of labor migration law within the global context, delving into the complex legal frameworks, policies, and challenges that govern the movement of workers across borders. Students will engage with various forms of migration and analyze the intricate web of international, regional, and domestic labor migration laws, including key international conventions, policies and principles. The roles of pivotal organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) will also be examined, alongside a critical look at migrants’ labor rights.
With a focus on the entire migration process, we will explore essential topics such as nationality preference, sponsorship requirements, and the emerging legal issues surrounding digital nomads as well as the protection of labor migrants’ rights. As part of the course, students will participate in a self-designed interactive tour through Vienna, bringing labor migration concepts to life. This experience will take them to key locations where migration’s impact is most evident, from migrant neighborhoods to relevant institutions and landmarks. Each student will present at a designated site, providing insights based on their research.
The course features diverse learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. Guest speakers will provide expert perspectives on labor migration, including a labor migration specialist from the International Labour Organization (ILO), a researcher and practitioner working on bilateral labor migration agreements, and a representative from the Austrian Labor Ministry's section on labor migration, who will offer domestic policy insights and practical perspectives on implementation. Beyond that, we will visit the Vienna Museum for a guided tour of migration-related artifacts, exploring the historical and contemporary relevance of labor migration to Vienna’s development and identity.
For part of their assessment, students will choose between two formats to demonstrate their understanding of labor migration concepts: either presenting at one designated stop during a self-designed interactive tour through Vienna, or producing a podcast episode about migration to Vienna that complements the tour. The interactive tour, together with the podcast episodes, will take the class to key locations where migration’s impact is most evident—from migrant neighborhoods to relevant institutions and landmarks—with each participating student providing research-based insights at their chosen site. We will hold one session at the CEU podcast studio for everyone, where students will learn the fundamentals of podcasting production.
- Instructor: Lena Riemer