International migrants (IMs) continue to significantly contribute to global economic growth by addressing labour shortages in host countries and sending remittances back to their home countries. The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) fourth edition of Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers highlights these contributions.
What Did the ILO State?
- In 2022, IMs comprised 4.7% (167.7 million) of the global labour force, up by over 30 million since 2013.
- Of these, 155.6 million were employed and 12.1 million unemployed.
- The share of IM men in global employment was 4.7%, while for IM women, it was 4.4%.
- Between 2019-2022, annual growth in the migrant workforce slowed to under 1%, partly due to the pandemic.
What About Age and Gender?
- Employment Gender Gap:
- 61.3% of IM men (102.7 million) were employed.
- 38.7% of IM women (64.9 million) were employed.
- Women have seen a steady increase in representation since 2015 but remain a smaller proportion of the IM workforce due to their lower numbers among total IMs.
- Age Groups:
- Prime-age workers (25-54 years): 74.9% (125.6 million).
- Young workers (15-24 years): 9.3% (15.5 million).
- Older workers (55-64 years): 12.5%.
- Workers above 65 years: 3.4%.
Which Economic Sectors Attract IMs?
- Services sector: 68.4% of IMs, a consistent trend since 2013.
- Women IMs: 80.7% in services.
- Men IMs: 60.8% in services.
- Industry sector: 24.3% of IMs.
- Agriculture: 7.4% of IMs (compared to 24.3% for non-migrants).
Which Are the Main Host Countries?
- High-income countries host the majority: 68.4% (114 million) of IMs, especially in the care economy.
- Upper-middle-income countries host 17.4% (29.2 million) of IMs.
- Regional shares in 2022:
- Northern, Southern, and Western Europe: 23.3%.
- Northern America: 22.6% (down slightly from 2013).
- Arab States: 13.3% (down three percentage points since 2013).
Key factors for host country appeal: Ageing populations, growing care economy demands, and better economic opportunities make high-income countries consistently attractive for IMs.
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