Concept Of Social Protection

The terms associated social protection are, to name a few, social security, social assistance and social insurance. Social protection emanates from the need to provide different forms of assistance to the disadvantaged groups of a population which cannot sustain or protect themselves. Such affected groups are often unable to sufficiently rely on their governments for assistance. Numerous factors have an impact on societies and their views toward the welfare of people. Among the world’s domestic workers, millions have migrated from their homes to other countries seeking employment. Despite its prevalence which stems out of necessity, this line of work remains undervalued and insufficiently regulated by law. Consequently, domestic workers

It further analyses the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers. It further discusses international, regional and other national legal instruments which govern the concept of social protection. The essay is also highlighting the possibility of extending social protection to migrant domestic workers.

2. Concept of social protection

The definition of social protection may be found in various sources. The International Labour Organisation (hereafter referred to as the ILO) defines this concept as:

‘…the set of public measures that a society provides for its members to protect them against economic and social distress that would be caused by the absence or a substantial reduction of income from work as a result of various contingencies (sickness, maternity, employment injury, unemployment, invalidity, old age and death of the bread winner); the provision of health care; and the provision of health care; and the provision of benefits for families with

In South Africa, social security is referred to as a concept with more than one aspect. It includes, among other things, social assistance, social insurance and a selection of private and public measures that provide assistance in the event of an individual’s earning capacity ceasing or being interrupted as a result of events such as ill health, disability, old age or unemployment.

Informal social security should also be included in the definition of the concept of social protection. Dekker defines ‘informal social security’ as provisions relying on principles of reciprocity and solidarity. She states that this form of social protection does not only rely on financial transfers, but provides support unique to a particular group of individuals where this group has something in common. Migrants most commonly fall under the informal sector.

3. Social protection in terms of South African