Some 167.7 million migrants were part of the labour force in their destination countries in 2022 – an increase of more than 30 million since 2013, according to the ILO Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers.
In Singapore, an Indonesian domestic worker prepares food in her employer’s kitchen after an early morning trip to the grocery store (file).
An ‘indispensable’ force
The report underscored the complexities of labour migration and the need for targeted policies to support international migrants.
With most of these workers employed in high-demand sectors, ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities must be a priority.
“Migrant workers are indispensable in addressing global labour shortages and contributing to economic growth,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.
“Ensuring their rights and access to decent work is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.”