The United Nations (UN) on Thursday urged more multilateral agreements that would regulate migration as 60 million migrant workers more are expected to be affected by the global financial crisis by the end of the year.

The Philippines is the third country that contributes biggest in the services sector, after China and India.

Supachai Panitchpakdi, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General, said there is a “great need” for multilateral agreements, including through the World Trade Organization (WTO), to regulate migration and also harness its potential for development.

He said global pacts can also ensure that knowledge and technology benefit the sending countries, as well as avoid the negative effects of the so-called ‘brain drain’ on such nations.

UN Institute for Training and Research Marielza Oliveira added that linking migration and development has a “win-win potential,” adding that “enhanced dialogue and the sharing of ideas and practices” is vital, especially in times of turmoil.

The 60 million migrant workers expected to be affected by the global financial meltdown by the end of the year would result to 240 million unemployed persons due to the recession, the UN said.

Migrant workers were expected to surge to 214 million by 2010 but the recession has decreased the trend.

Most of the migrant workers affected by the global financial crisis are those in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

“The crisis will be impacting quite significantly on the flow of migrants,” Supachai said.

In Canada, it will be recalled that Filipino workers in the oil and construction industries have been laid off, particularly in Alberta, due to the global financial meltdown. Canada is the country’s biggest source of immigrants and temporary skilled workers at approximately 500,000.