The ILO's 2022 "Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers" shows that international migrants (IMs) contribute significantly to global economic growth, accounting for 4.7% of the global labour force. However, there is a gender imbalance, with male IMs employed more than females. IMs are primarily attracted to the services sector, particularly in high-income countries.
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The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released the fourth edition of "Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers." Report.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its fourth edition of ‘Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers’ in 2022, highlighting the crucial contributions of international migrants (IMs) to global economic growth.
IMs help to fill labour shortages in host nations and contribute greatly through remittances to their home countries.
As of 2022, IMs accounted for 4.7% (167.7 million) of the global labour force, with over 30 million more migrants compared to 2013. The number of employed IMs was 155.6 million, while 12.1 million were unemployed but available for work.
The ILO report found that a higher proportion of male IMs are employed compared to female IMs.
In 2022, 61.3% of male IMs were employed, while only 38.7% of female IMs had jobs. The main reason for this gender imbalance is the lower representation of women in the total IM population.
However, the number of women IMs has steadily increased since 2015. Social, cultural, and economic factors frequently shape migration patterns, with men more likely to migrate for work opportunities, while women often face additional challenges, such as gender-based barriers and limited access to employment in certain regions.
International migrants (IMs) are largely attracted to the services sector, with 68.4% of them working in this area, a proportion higher than non-migrants.
Among women IMs, the share in services is even more pronounced at 80.7%, compared to 60.8% among their male counterparts. For non-migrant women and men, the figures stand at 59.4% and 46.3% respectively.
The dominance of IMs in the services sector has remained strong, consistently above 67% between 2013-2022.
In the industry sector, IMs represent 24.3%, almost identical to non-migrants at 24.2%. In difference, agriculture sees a significant difference, with only 7.4% of IMs compared to 24.3% of non-migrants working in this sector.
High-income countries are the main host countries for international migrants (IMs), as they absorbed 68.4% (114 million people) of IMs, largely in sectors like services and care provision. Upper-middle-income countries host 17.4% (29.2 million) of IMs.
In Northern, Southern, and Western Europe, the share of IM workers in the labour force was 23.3% in 2022. This figure increased slightly by less than one percentage point from 2013 to 2022.
The share of IM workers in Northern America was 22.6% in 2022. This marked a decrease of more than one percentage point from 2013.
The Arab states accounted for 13.3% of IM workers in 2022. This was a decrease of three percentage points from 2013.
High-income countries will remain attractive destinations due to factors like ageing populations, increased demand in the care economy, and greater economic opportunities.
It was established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I to promote social justice and internationally recognized labour rights by setting labour standards, developing policies, and facilitating dialogue between governments, employers, and workers.
It is the only tripartite UN agency, meaning that government representatives, employer organizations, and worker organizations all participate in decision-making processes, contributing to a balanced perspective on labour issues.
After World War II, the ILO further solidified its role as a key international body, becoming the first specialized agency associated with the newly formed United Nations in 1946.
The Declaration of Philadelphia was adopted in 1944, reaffirmed the ILO's commitment to social justice and outlined broader goals including full employment, adequate living standards, and equal opportunity for men and women.
It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
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