International Migrants in the Global Labour Market

In 2022, the global stock of international migrants reached 284.5 million. This figure includes 255.7 million individuals of working age. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reported that 167.7 million international migrants were part of the labour force. This marks an increase of over 30 million since 2013. The distribution of these migrants varies across regions.

Regional Distribution of Migrants

In 2022, Europe and Central Asia hosted the largest share of international migrants in the labour force, accounting for 34.5% or 57.8 million. The Americas followed with 27.3%, representing 45.8 million migrants. Asia and the Pacific contributed 16.2%, while the Arab States and Africa accounted for 13.5% and 8.5%, respectively. Northern, Southern, and Western Europe collectively represented 23.3% of the labour force, while North America saw a slight decline from 23.8% in 2013 to 22.6% in 2022.

Employment and Unemployment Rates

Of the 167.7 million migrants in the labour force, 155.6 million were employed while 12.1 million were unemployed. High-income countries hosted 68.4% of these migrant workers. Upper-middle-income countries accounted for 17.4%. The concentration of migrants in high-income nations reflects their demand for labour and economic opportunities.

Gender Disparities in Employment

Significant gender disparities exist among migrant workers. The employment-to-population ratio for migrant women was only 48.1%, compared to 72.8% for migrant men. This disparity indicates systemic barriers that women face in accessing employment opportunities.

Migrants’ Economic Contributions

Migrant workers play important role in addressing global labour shortages. They contribute to economic growth in host countries. The ILO emphasises the importance of ensuring migrants’ rights and access to decent work. This is not only a moral obligation but also an economic necessity for sustainable development.

Policy Implications

Changes in migration policies have influenced the distribution of migrants in the labour market. Regions like Europe have adapted their policies to accommodate a growing labour market. Conversely, North America’s stricter migration policies may have contributed to a decrease in the proportion of international migrants in its labour force.

Trends from 2013 to 2022

From 2013 to 2022, the overall distribution of international migrants in the labour force remained relatively stable. However, some regions, such as South-Eastern Asia and the Pacific, saw an increase in their share of migrant workers. The Arab States experienced a slight decrease in the share of migrants in their labour force from 13.8% in 2017 to 13.5% in 2022.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the impact of international migration on global labour markets.
2. Critically examine the role of migrant workers in high-income economies.
3. Explain the systemic barriers faced by migrant women in employment.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between migration policies and labour market dynamics.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the impact of international migration on global labour markets.

1. International migration has increased the global stock of workers, with 167.7 million migrants in the labour force as of 2022.
2. Migrants contribute to economic growth by filling labor shortages in various sectors across different regions.
3. Regional disparities exist, with Europe and Central Asia hosting the largest share of international migrants (34.5%).
4. The presence of migrants can enhance cultural diversity and innovation in the workplace.
5. Migration policies affect the distribution and integration of migrants into the labor market.

2. Critically examine the role of migrant workers in high-income economies.

1. Migrant workers make up 68.4% of the labor force in high-income countries, reflecting their reliance on foreign labor.
2. They help address labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology.
3. Migrants often take jobs that local populations may be unwilling to do, contributing to the overall economy.
4. Despite their contributions, migrant workers may face exploitation and limited access to rights and protections.
5. The economic success of high-income economies is often tied to their ability to integrate and retain migrant workers.

3. Explain the systemic barriers faced by migrant women in employment.

1. Migrant women have a lower employment-to-population ratio (48.1%) compared to men (72.8%), indicating disparities.
2. Systemic barriers include discrimination, lack of access to childcare, and language obstacles that hinder job opportunities.
3. Many migrant women are concentrated in low-paying or informal jobs, limiting their economic mobility.
4. Cultural norms and gender roles in host countries can further restrict women’s employment opportunities.
5. Addressing these barriers is essential for achieving gender equality and maximizing the economic contributions of migrant women.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between migration policies and labour market dynamics.

1. Migration policies shape the flow of migrants; for instance, Europe has adapted policies to attract labor, resulting in stable migrant populations.
2. In contrast, North America has seen a decrease in migrant labor participation due to stricter immigration policies.
3. Countries with flexible migration policies often experience higher economic growth and labor market stability.
4. Examples include Germany’s “Blue Card” system, which aims to attract skilled migrants to address labor shortages.
5. Effective migration policies can enhance integration, benefiting both migrants and host economies.