Labour Migration Remains Key to Addressing Workforce Gaps, ILO Says
By GLEBM News Desk
The ILO says labour migration continues to play a critical role in addressing workforce shortages, calling for stronger protections for migrant workers.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has said that labour migration remains a critical component of global workforce dynamics, helping to address labour shortages in key sectors while supporting livelihoods in migrant-sending countries.
In its latest analysis on labour mobility, the ILO noted that migrant workers continue to play an essential role in sectors such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and domestic services, particularly in high-income and ageing economies.
According to the ILO, international migration flows have gradually recovered following pandemic-related disruptions, driven by demand for workers in sectors facing structural labour shortages. Seasonal migration, in particular, has expanded in agriculture and tourism-related industries.
However, the organisation warned that migrant workers remain disproportionately exposed to poor working conditions, including low wages, job insecurity, and limited access to social protection. The ILO stressed that many migrants are employed in informal or temporary arrangements that leave them vulnerable to exploitation.
The agency called on governments to strengthen labour migration governance by improving recruitment practices, enforcing labour standards, and ensuring that migrant workers have access to basic rights and protections under national labour laws.
The ILO also highlighted the economic importance of migration for countries of origin, noting that remittances continue to provide critical income support for millions of households, particularly in low-income economies.
According to the organisation, well-managed labour mobility policies can deliver mutual benefits for sending and receiving countries, provided that worker protection and fair recruitment are central to migration frameworks.
The ILO reiterated that social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers is essential to ensuring that labour migration contributes to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
— GLEBM News
