A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers, including higher unemployment rates compared to their local counterparts. Systemic barriers such as language gaps, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications, and discrimination contribute to these difficulties.
File photo: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at Naia Terminal 3 are seen either departing for their work destinations or returning home for long-awaited vacations with their families. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas credits higher remittances from both land-based and sea-based workers, highlighting the continued vital role of OFWs in the Philippine economy.
WHILE many leave their homes for the promise of better opportunities abroad, migrant workers often face higher unemployment than their local counterparts, reflecting systemic barriers that hinder their integration into labor markets. The International Labour Organization (ILO) found that in 2022, the unemployment rate among migrant workers stood at 7.2 percent or about 12.1 million out of the 167.7 million migrants in the global workforce. This was significantly higher than the 5.2 percent recorded unemployment for all non-migrants for the same year. “Possible factors contributing to higher unemployment among migrants include language barriers, the lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and the presence of discrimination,” ILO said. The group explained that many skilled workers, such as engineers or healthcare professionals, are unable to practice their professions in host countries due to stringent licensing requirements. As a result, these migrants often find themselves underemployed in lower-paying roles or completely excluded from the workforce. Moreover, language barriers also pose significant challenges, particularly in service-oriented roles. These hurdles are compounded by legal and policy restrictions in many countries. “Migrants often face difficulties in acquiring the language proficiency necessary for many jobs, which limits their employment opportunities,” the report added. ILO also emphasized the unique challenges faced by migrant women, who often juggle caregiving responsibilities with employmen
Migrant Workers Unemployment Systemic Barriers Labor Market Integration International Labor Organization
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