International migrants continue to play a crucial role in the global labour market, representing 4.7 per cent of the labour force in 2022, according to the latest report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The ‘ILO Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’, reveals that 167.7 million migrants were part of the labour force of their destination countries in 2022, with around 102.7 million men and about 64.9 million women. This represents an increase of 30 million since 2013, mainly observed between 2013-2019.
The majority of migrants in the labour force were concentrated in high-income countries, 68.4 per cent of the total (114.7 million people), followed by 17.4 per cent (29.2 million) in upper-middle-income countries. The largest part of migrants was concentrated in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe; Northern America; and the Arab States.
The share of migrants in the labour force living in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe increased from 22.5 per cent in 2013 to 23.3 per cent in 2022. In contrast, slight declines were observed in the share of migrants of Northern America and the Arab States.
Of the 167.7 million migrants in 2022, 155.6 million were employed, while 12.1 million were unemployed. Migrant women had an employment to population ratio of only 48.1 per cent, compared to 72.8 per cent for migrant men. Migrants faced a higher unemployment rate of 7.2 per cent compared to non-migrants at 5.2 per cent, with migrant women at around 8.7 per cent, experiencing higher unemployment levels than men at about 6.2 per cent.
The report emphasises the complexities of labour migration and need for policies to support migrants. These include improving access to decent work opportunities and ensuring the protection of migrant workers. Ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities and inclusive labour markets is a policy priority, it concludes.
“Migrant workers are indispensable in addressing global labour shortages and contributing to economic growth. Ensuring their rights and access to decent work is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity,” said ILO director-general, Gilbert F Houngbo.
International migrants play a crucial role in global labour market, accounting for 4.7 per cent of the global labour force in 2022.
Most migrants were employed in high-income countries, and migrant women faced higher unemployment than migrant men.
The ILO report highlights the need for policies to ensure decent work, equitable opportunities, and protection for migrants.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
