Migration patterns 

Lao PDR is both a source and destination country for migrant workers mainly employed in infrastructure projects, domestic and agricultural work, and the fishing industry. Malaysia and Thailand are the primary destination countries for Lao migrant workers.

Lao PDR is also a destination country for migrant workers, especially from Viet Nam and China. In 2006, 5,731 Vietnamese migrant workers worked in Lao PDR, while in 2008 an estimated 300,000 Chinese workers were in the country as well.

The Lao population is vulnerable to trafficking due to high poverty levels and porous borders. Lao PDR is a source country for trafficked men, women and children to Thailand and a destination country for trafficked Vietnamese, Chinese and Burmese women and girls.