Context:

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has recently released the 4^th 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.