ILO Releases ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’ Report

International migrants (IMs) play important role in the global economy. They address labour market shortages in host nations and contribute to the economies of their home countries through remittances. According to the fourth edition of the ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’ released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), IMs comprised 4.7% of the global labour force in 2022.

Growth of International Migrants

In 2022, 167.7 million IMs were part of the global labour force. This number reflects an increase of over 30 million since 2013. The ILO reported that 155.6 million IMs were employed while 12.1 million were unemployed. The annual growth rate of IMs dipped to less than 1% between 2019 and 2022 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gender and Age Distribution

The gender distribution among IMs shows a higher employment rate for males. In 2022, 61.3% of male IMs were employed compared to 38.7% of female IMs. Despite this disparity, the number of female IMs has steadily increased since 2015. The largest demographic group among IMs is prime-age adults aged 25 to 54, making up 74.9% of the workforce. Young IMs aged 15-24 constituted only 9.3% of the total.

Sectoral Employment of International Migrants

IMs are predominantly employed in the services sector, which accounts for 68.4% of their jobs. Notably, women IMs dominate this sector, holding an 80.7% share compared to 60.8% for men. In contrast, IMs account for 24.3% of employment in industry and only 7.4% in agriculture. Non-migrants have ly higher representation in agriculture.

Host Countries for International Migrants

High-income countries are the primary destinations for IMs, hosting 68.4% of them, which equates to 114 million individuals. These countries offer key opportunities in the services sector, particularly in care provision. Upper-middle-income countries host 17.4% of IMs. Over the past decade, high-income and upper-middle-income nations have consistently attracted the majority of IMs. In 2022, northern, southern, and western Europe accounted for 23.3% of IM workers, while Northern America had 22.6%. The Arab states represented 13.3%.

Future Trends

The trend of increasing international migration is expected to continue. Factors such as ageing populations, rising demand in the care economy, and economic opportunities will keep high-income countries appealing for IMs.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of international migration on the economies of both host and home countries.
2. Discuss the role of gender in the employment patterns of international migrants.
3. Critically discuss the factors that influence the choice of host countries for international migrants.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the significance of the services sector for international migrants compared to other sectors.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of international migration on the economies of both host and home countries.

1. International migrants fill labor shortages in host countries, enhancing productivity and economic growth.
2. They contribute to the economy through taxes and social security contributions.
3. Remittances sent back home support families and stimulate local economies, reducing poverty levels.
4. Migration can lead to brain drain in home countries, but it can also encourage skills development through return migration.
5. Overall, international migration creates a dynamic economic interdependence between nations.

2. Discuss the role of gender in the employment patterns of international migrants.

1. Gender disparities exist, with higher employment rates among male IMs (61.3%) compared to female IMs (38.7%).
2. Women IMs are predominantly employed in the services sector, holding an 80.7% share, reflecting gendered job roles.
3. The increasing number of female IMs since 2015 indicates changing trends in migration patterns.
4. Socio-cultural factors influence the types of jobs women take, often leading to lower-paying roles compared to men.
5. Gender dynamics in migration highlight the need for policies that promote equal opportunities for all migrants.

3. Critically discuss the factors that influence the choice of host countries for international migrants.

1. High-income countries attract IMs due to better job opportunities and higher wages.
2. Political stability and favorable immigration policies play important role in attracting migrants.
3. Social networks and existing immigrant communities facilitate the migration process.
4. Demand in specific sectors, such as healthcare and services, drives migration to particular countries.
5. Geographical proximity and historical ties can also influence migrants’ choices of host countries.

4. With suitable examples, analyse the significance of the services sector for international migrants compared to other sectors.

1. The services sector employs 68.4% of international migrants, denoting its importance in providing job opportunities.
2. Women IMs dominate the services sector, particularly in caregiving roles, showcasing gendered employment trends.
3. In contrast, agriculture employs only 7.4% of IMs, indicating a shift towards urban and service-based economies.
4. Examples include healthcare and hospitality, where IMs fill essential roles that support economic vitality.
5. The resilience of the services sector during economic downturns, such as the pandemic, puts stress on its significance for IMs.