In 2004, MMN project partners jointly decided to conduct research on the quality of life of migrant workers. The regional research design included seven research questions: 1) describe the general cross-border labour migration processes/flow in the GMS; 2) describe the quality of life of migrants; 3) identify and analyse the important factors that affect the quality of life of migrants; 4) point out whether there are significant differences or particularities, as well as similarities or commonalities in the quality of life of migrants in the country depending on the nationality/race/ethnicity, job category, gender, or other demographic characteristics; 5) analyse whether, and if so, how, processes established by bilateral agreements on labour migration help improve the quality of life of migrants; 6) examine the perceptions towards migration and migrants at home and in destination countries; and 7) assess what practical and strategic responses exist in relation to migration issues in the GMS.

After agreeing to joint research parameters, country research teams (CRTs) were formed in each six of the countries in the GMS to conduct primary research on the quality of life of migrant workers. Among those interviewed were migrant returnees, current migrants, potential migrants, migrant families, community authorities, youth leaders, and religious leaders. To enhance each CRT’s understanding of migration issues in other countries in the GMS, the Vietnam CRT visited Cambodia, while representatives from Thailand visited Lao PDR and Burma/Myanmar. CRTs also convened twice in September and November 2004 to share research findings and jointly analyse identified issues. The research findings were published in Resource Book Vol. 2: Migration in the Greater Mekong Subregion (2005).