Geneva (Web Desk): The latest report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that international migrants made up 4.7% of the global workforce in 2022, underlining their essential role in the world economy.
With over 167 million migrants contributing to the labour force in the countries they moved to, the number has grown by more than 30 million since 2013.
This shift highlights the increasing dependence of high-income nations on migrant workers.
A large proportion of these migrants, about 68%, found employment in wealthier countries, with the majority being drawn to Northern, Southern, and Western Europe, North America, and the Arab States.
While Northern and Western Europe saw a slight increase in the number of migrant workers over the past decade, regions like North America and the Arab States experienced small declines.
The gender gap remains notable, with men making up the majority of migrant workers.
However, women also constitute a significant portion of this group, although they face more challenges in the labour market. The employment rate for migrant women was notably lower than for men—48.1% compared to 73%, respectively.
Women migrants also face higher unemployment rates than their male counterparts, with a rate of 7.2% compared to 5.2% for non-migrants.
These disparities are linked to several factors, including language barriers, discrimination, lack of recognition of their qualifications, and cultural expectations around gender roles that limit their employment opportunities.
A considerable number of migrants work in the services sector, which accounts for nearly 70% of migrant employment.
This trend is especially prevalent among women, who are disproportionately represented in caregiving and domestic work. Around 30% of migrant women are employed in these fields, compared to just over 12% of migrant men.
In contrast, fewer non-migrant women (19.2%) and non-migrant men (6.2%) are employed in similar sectors.
The report emphasizes that migrant workers are indispensable to addressing labour shortages, especially in sectors that are critical for economic growth in many advanced economies.
However, the ILO urges countries to implement policies that ensure migrants' rights are protected and that they have access to decent work opportunities.
Providing fair and equal employment opportunities to migrant workers is not just a matter of moral responsibility but also vital for sustaining economic growth.
In conclusion, the report highlights both the growing importance of migrant labour and the need for comprehensive policies that support their integration into the workforce, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued in the global economy.