Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
What does this article provide?
The article discusses the ILO report on international migrants, highlighting the higher proportion of male migrants in the global labour force due to traditional gender roles and societal norms. It also mentions that high-income countries like the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have absorbed the most international migrant workers.
Potential Topics for Prelims
International Labour Organization (ILO) and its reports, Global migration trends and statistics, Human Migration, India’s migrant workers, Labour Codes
Potential Topics for Mains
Gender disparities in the global labour force, Economic impact of international migrants on host countries, Legal framework for migrant welfare, Issues with Labour Codes, Need for a migration-centric policy
Source
The Hindu
What did the ILO report state about international migrants?
Introduction
International Migrants (IM) play a significant role in addressing labour market shortages in host nations while contributing substantial remittances to their home countries. According to the fourth edition of ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’, released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), these migrants continue to make invaluable contributions to global economic growth. By filling crucial gaps in the workforce, they enhance productivity and foster economic development in their host countries. Simultaneously, the remittances they send back home support economic stability and growth in their countries of origin, highlighting the dual impact of international migration on the global economy.
International Migrants
- Definition:
- International migrants are individuals who reside in a nation different from their country of birth.
- This category includes refugees, asylum seekers, and related groups.
- Economic Impact: They are vital contributors to economic growth.
- Remittance Trends: International remittances surged from USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion by 2022 (World Migration Report 2024).
Key Insights from the ILO Report on International Migrants
- 2022 Workforce Composition:
- In 2022, International Migrants (IMs) comprised 4.7% (167.7 million) of the global labour force, up by over 30 million from 2013.
- Approximately 155.6 million were employed, and 12.1 million were jobless.
- IM men represented 4.7% and IM women 4.4% of total global employment for their respective genders.
- Impact of the Pandemic: Growth in IM workforce declined annually to less than 1% between 2019-2022, partly due to the pandemic.
- Age and Gender:
- Employment of IM men: 61.3% (102.7 million) were employed, compared to 38.7% (64.9 million) female IMs.
- Since 2015, the number of female IMs has progressively increased.
- The lower proportion of women in the labour force is due to their reduced presence in the overall IM population.
- Prime-age adult IM workers (25-54 years) formed the largest segment at 74.9% (125.6 million).
- Less than 10% of IMs were under 25 years of age.
- Young IM workers (15-24 years) constituted 9.3% (15.5 million).
- IMs aged 55-64 years were 12.5% and those above 65 years were 3.4%.
- Economic Sectors:
- Service sector: 68.4% of IMs were engaged, higher than non-migrants.
- Women IMs: 80.7% in services compared to 60.8% men.
- Non-migrant women: 59.4% and non-migrant men: 46.3% in services.
- IMs consistently dominated this sector over the decade, remaining above 67% between 2013-2022.
- In industry, IMs represented 24.3%, similar to non-migrants (24.2%).
- In agriculture, IMs comprised 7.4%, whereas non-migrants held a significantly higher share of 24.3%.
- Primary Host Countries:
- High-income nations: Absorbed 68.4% (114 million) IMs in major sectors like services.
- Upper-middle-income countries: Accounted for 17.4% (29.2 million).
- Over the decade (2013-2022), high-income and upper-middle-income countries consistently attracted the bulk of IMs.
- Europe (northern, southern, and western): IMs constituted 23.3% of the labour force in 2022.
- North America: IM share was 22.6% in 2022, slightly decreased from the previous decade.
- Arab states: IM workers made up 13.3% in 2022, down three percentage points from 2013.
- High-income nations remain attractive for IMs due to ageing populations, rising demand in the care economy, and greater economic opportunities.
Why are there more male international migrants in the global labour force than women?
- Cultural Expectations:
- Traditional gender roles and societal norms restrict women’s ability to migrate on their own.
- Women are often expected to prioritize family responsibilities, limiting opportunities for international migration and labor participation.
- Segregation in Labour Markets:
- Women predominantly work in sectors like domestic work, caregiving, and low-skilled service jobs, which are undervalued and less visible.
- Men typically dominate higher-paying sectors such as construction and agriculture, which are more open to international migrants.
- Employment Barriers:
- According to the ILO, migrant women face higher unemployment rates (8.7%) compared to migrant men (6.2%).
- Factors include language barriers, unrecognized qualifications, limited childcare options, and gender-based discrimination in host countries.
- Economic and Social Autonomy:
- Women’s migration decisions are influenced by their access to resources and social networks.
- Lack of financial independence or autonomy can hinder their ability to migrate for work.
- In some cases, women migrate as dependents or spouses of male workers, limiting their access to legal employment opportunities in the host country.
Key Challenges Faced by International Migrants
- Earnings Disparity:
- Discrimination: Migrants earn approximately 25% less than local workers.
- Rising Conflicts: Situations like the Ukraine-Russia conflict and Middle-East crises exacerbate challenges.
- Healthcare and Social Protection:
- Access Issues: Migrants face barriers in accessing healthcare and social security.
- During the Covid-19 pandemic, many migrant workers were excluded from basic medical assistance and income support in host countries.
- Hostility Towards Foreigners:
- Xenophobia: Migrants often encounter hostility and discrimination.
- Legal and Administrative Barriers:
- Difficulty in obtaining legal documentation and work permits.
- Bureaucratic hurdles can delay or prevent access to essential services and employment.
- Economic Vulnerability: Lack of access to financial services, making it hard to save, invest, or send remittances.
- Cultural and Language Barriers: Language proficiency and understanding of cultural norms can hinder integration and employment opportunities.
- Exploitation and Abuse: Risk of exploitation by employers, including low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of job security.
- Family Separation: Long periods of separation from family members due to immigration policies and the high cost of relocating family members.
Key Initiatives for International Migrants
Global Initiatives
- International Organization for Migration (IOM): Established in 1951, it is the premier inter-governmental organization focusing on migration.
- Advocacy by ILO: The International Labour Organization (ILO) champions the rights of migrant workers and promotes equitable labour migration through various conventions.
- International Convention on Migrant Rights: Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1990, this convention safeguards the rights of migrant workers and their families.
- Global Compact on Migration: The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (2018) is the first intergovernmental agreement addressing all facets of international migration.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Provides protection and support to refugees and forcibly displaced communities globally.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 10.7 aims to facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people.
- Migrant Workers Convention (1990): A UN treaty focusing on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families.
Indian Initiatives
- Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY): An insurance scheme for Indian migrant workers providing coverage for health and safety abroad.
- e-Migrate System: A digital platform that helps regulate and facilitate the migration process for Indian workers going abroad.
- Overseas Indian Affairs Division: A government body dedicated to addressing the issues faced by Indian migrants and promoting their welfare.
Issues and Concerns for International Migrants
- Elevated Unemployment Levels:
- Higher Unemployment Rates: Migrants experienced an unemployment rate of 7.2% compared to 5.2% for non-migrants, with women disproportionately impacted.
- Gender Employment Gaps:
- Disparities in Employment: Migrant women had an employment-to-population ratio of 48.1%, whereas migrant men had a ratio of 73%.
- Employment Barriers:
- Gender differences in employment may stem from language barriers, unrecognized qualifications, discrimination, limited childcare options, and gender-based expectations.
- Social Exclusion:
- Marginalization: Migrants often face social isolation and lack of community support in host countries, impacting their integration and quality of life.
- Legal and Regulatory Challenges:
- Documentation Issues: Difficulty in obtaining proper legal documents and work permits, delaying access to employment and essential services.
Suggestions and Way forward
- Essential Role in Labour Markets:
- Migrant workers are vital for alleviating global labour shortages and fostering economic growth.
- Necessity of Rights Protection:
- Safeguarding their rights and ensuring access to decent work is an imperative both morally and economically.
- Policy Recommendations:
- The report advocates for specific policies to enhance access to decent work and safeguard migrant workers’ rights.
- Equitable Employment Access:
- Ensuring fair access to job opportunities is crucial for sustainable development and inclusive labour markets.
Conclusion
The ILO report highlights the vital role of international migrants in the global labour force, underscoring their significant contributions to economic growth and addressing labour shortages in host countries. Despite these contributions, the report also reveals persistent challenges faced by migrants, including higher unemployment rates, gender disparities in employment, and barriers to accessing essential services. To foster a more inclusive and equitable labour market, the report advocates for targeted policies that protect the rights of migrant workers and ensure their access to decent work. As the global economy evolves, it is imperative to recognize and address these challenges, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth for all.
Related PYQ
“Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? [UPSC CSE – 2016 Mains]
Practice Question
Discuss the key findings of the ILO report on international migrants, highlighting their contributions to the global labour force and the challenges they face. Suggest measures to address these challenges and ensure equitable treatment for migrant workers. [250 words]
Guidelines to Answer the Question
Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the ILO report and its significance.
- Mention the importance of international migrants in the global labour force.
Key Findings:
- Discuss the proportion of international migrants in the global labour force.
- Highlight the contributions of international migrants to economic growth and addressing labour shortages.
- Mention specific data points, such as the share of male and female migrants, and employment rates.
Challenges Faced by International Migrants:
- Discuss higher unemployment rates among migrants compared to non-migrants.
- Explain gender disparities in employment and contributing factors.
- Mention barriers to employment, such as language barriers, unrecognized qualifications, discrimination, and limited childcare options.
- Highlight other challenges like social exclusion, legal documentation issues, exploitation, and family separation.
Measures to Address Challenges:
- Suggest policies to protect migrant workers’ rights and ensure decent work conditions.
- Emphasize the need for fair access to employment opportunities.
- Discuss the importance of legal and social protections for migrants.
- Highlight the role of international organizations and agreements in supporting migrant workers.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points discussed.
- Emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by international migrants.
- Conclude with the importance of promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth for all.