Font size:
Print
ILO report on international migrants
Context:
The fourth edition of the Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers was released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
- The report highlights the critical role of International Migrants (IMs) in addressing labour market shortages in host countries and contributing remittances to their home nations.
Key Findings of the ILO Report
- In 2022, IMs made up 4.7% of the global labour force (167.7 million individuals), with over 30 million more workers compared to 2013.
- Approximately 155.6 million IMs were employed, while 12.1 million were unemployed but available for work.
- The annual growth rate of the IM workforce between 2019 and 2022 slowed to less than 1%, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The gender composition in 2022 showed 4.7% of global male employment and 4.4% of global female employment comprised IMs.
ILO Report on Age and Gender
- Male IMs accounted for 61.3% of the employed IM population (102.7 million).
- Female IMs comprised 38.7% of employed IMs (64.9 million), yet their numbers have consistently risen since 2015.
- Prime-age workers (25-54 years) dominated the IM workforce, making up 74.9% (125.6 million) in 2022.
- Younger IMs (aged 15-24) formed 9.3% (15.5 million), while workers aged 55-64 and 65+ accounted for 12.5% and 3.4%, respectively.
Economic Sectors of IMs
- The services sector was the primary employer of IMs, attracting 68.4% of all IMs.
- Female IMs were more prevalent, with 80.7% working in services compared to 60.8% of male IMs.
- The dominance of IMs in services has been consistent, exceeding 67% since 2013.
- In the industry sector, IMs constituted 24.3%, aligning closely with non-migrant workers at 24.2%.
- The agriculture sector attracted only 7.4% of IMs, significantly lower than the 24.3% share of non-migrants.
Country-wise Composition of IMs
- High-income countries were the largest absorbers of IMs, accounting for 68.4% (114 million) in 2022, especially in the care sectors.
- Upper-middle-income countries hosted 17.4% (29.2 million) of IMs.
- Northern, Southern, and Western Europe housed 23.3% of IM workers, showing a marginal increase since 2013.
- North America had 22.6% of the IM workforce in 2022, a slight decrease over the decade.
- Arab states saw their IM workforce drop to 13.3% in 2022, a three-percentage point decline since 2013.
Importance of International Migrants
- IMs fill labour shortages in critical sectors such as care services, hospitality, and construction.
- They significantly contribute to economic growth and poverty alleviation through remittances sent to their home countries.
- In host nations, IMs bolster the care economy and address the challenges of ageing populations.
- Their participation enhances cultural diversity and economic dynamism.
Issues Faced by International Migrants
- Unemployment: IMs experience disproportionate levels of job insecurity and unemployment, as evidenced by the 12.1 million unemployed in 2022.
- Gender Inequality: Female IMs face lower workforce participation rates and greater vulnerability to exploitation.
- Legal and Social Barriers: Many IMs face challenges in securing legal status, accessing healthcare, and overcoming discrimination.
- Vulnerability to Economic Shocks: IMs are often the first to lose jobs during economic downturns, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Initiatives for International Migrants
- International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
- Established: 1951
- Role: Leading inter-governmental organisation in the field of migration.
- Focus Areas: Migration management, humanitarian assistance, and policy guidance.
- International Labour Organisation (ILO)
-
- Advocacy: Promotes the rights of migrant workers and fair labour migration practices.
- Conventions: Develop international standards to safeguard migrant workers’ rights.
- International Convention on Migrant Workers’ Rights
-
- Adoption: 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly.
- Purpose: Protects the rights of migrant workers and their families globally.
- Global Compact for Migration
- Adopted: 2018
- Significance: The first intergovernmental agreement addressing all dimensions of international migration.
- Objective: Ensures safe, orderly, and regular migration.
