Context:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has recently released the 4th edition of “Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers” report.
Key Findings of the Report
Migrant Workers in the Global labour force: As of 2022, international migrants constitute 4.7% of the global labour force, totalling approximately 167.7 million individuals.
Gender Distribution: Among migrant workers, 61.3% were men (102.7 million), and 38.7% were women (64.9 million).
Age Group: Most migrant workers (74.9%) were aged 25–54, highlighting the importance of this group in fulfilling global labor demands.
Regional Concentration: A significant portion of migrant workers is concentrated in high-income countries, which account for 68.4% of the total (114.7 million people).
- The higher living standards and labour market opportunities in these countries offered strong incentives for migrants to relocate there.
Regional Trends: Europe and Central Asia host 34.5% of migrant workers (57.8 million).
- The share of migrants in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe increased from 22.5% in 2013 to 23.3% in 2022, while other regions saw slight declines.
Unemployment rate: In 2022, the unemployment rate for international migrants was 7.2%, compared to 5.2% for non-migrants.
Importance of service sector: Most employed international migrants were concentrated in the services sector.
- A significant proportion of migrants – 68.4% – were employed in the services sector, compared to 51.5% of non-migrants.
- This trend was largely driven by the global demand for care and domestic work.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers:
- Gender Disparities: Women migrant workers often face greater obstacles, such as limited job opportunities (majorly in the service and care sector), childcare responsibilities, and socio-cultural barriers.
- Sectoral Concentration: Most migrant workers, especially women, are employed in the services sector, including roles in healthcare and domestic work.
- Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic significantly impacted migrant workers, particularly those in sectors like tourism and services. Job losses in these areas were disproportionately higher, reflecting the vulnerability of migrant-dependent industries.
India’s initiatives to support international migrants:
Promoting Regular and Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals (PRAYAS): Launched in 2023 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) India in collaboration with MEA and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
- The Project envisages bringing about a mapping report on International migration and mobility trends and patterns.
MADAD Portal: Launched in 2015 by MEA for consular support, grievance registration, and redressal for Indian students and workers abroad.
- It provides an online platform for migrants to seek assistance and report issues.
Overseas Workers Resource Centres: The Centre has been operational since 2008 and provides information to intending migrants and overseas workers on all aspects of overseas employment.
- A multi-lingual 24 × 7 toll-free helpline is operated under it.