The aim of this Convention is to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers.

Article 1 states that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Article 2 provides that no one shall be discriminated against in the enjoyment of the rights laid down in the Declaration on the grounds of "race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." Article 7 provides that "All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.

This treaty is part of the international bill of human rights. It guarantees several rights, including the right to work, the right to social security and the right to education.