Working papers
2012
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International Migration Papers No. 113
Decent work, youth employment and migration in Asia
In this paper on *Decent work, youth employment and migration in Asia*, Dr. Piyasiri Wickramasekara (former Senior Migration specialist of the ILO) discusses migration trends and issues concerning young people in Asia - a region hosting more than 60 per cent of world’s youth population and one third of the global number of young migrants. He first outlines some methodological issues in understanding the nexus between decent work, internal and international migration, and causes of youth migration pressures. Drawing on a variety of data sources, he highlights the profile of young Asian migrant workers, their working conditions and protection issues in major destination countries. The study finds that both adult and young female and male migrant workers face exploitation and poor working conditions in destination countries. The paper points out that there are few programmes or policies in origin or destination countries that directly address the specific issues faced by youth migrants. It provides some suggestions on designing or improving effective policies and strategies to meet the youth employment and migration challenges and serve to promote decent work for migrant youth and their families.in the Asia-Pacific region.
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International Migration Papers No. 112
Migrant workers in the international hotel industry
This paper is published jointly by the International Migration Branch of the Labour Protection Department of the ILO and by the ILO’s Sectoral Activities Department. We live in an increasingly mobile world, and it is a well-known fact that much migration today is driven by the search for employment. Indeed, most migration is linked to the world of work, in some way or other: families accompany workers to foreign countries, training and educational opportunities abroad lead into employment, changed patterns of labour force participation and social reproduction in one place set off migration flows from another, etc. However, the important links between migration and labour markets including the quantity and quality of jobs in both origin and destination countries, and the contribution of labour market policies to growth and development are often ignored or not well understood. This discussion paper makes a contribution in this area of research, in focussing on a particular sector, namely Hotels, catering and tourism. Our interest here is migrant workers in the international hotel industry. Hotel work is diverse and challenging at all levels, from front-line and housekeeping staff to senior management and migrant workers are represented in all areas of work within the sector across most developing and developed countries
2011
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International Migration Papers 111
Gender, brain waste and job-education mismatch among migrant workers in Switzerland
This study examines the incidence and determinants of over- and underqualification among documented migrant workers in the Swiss labour market using cross-matched data from two sources of comprehensive information. At the same time, our statistical analysis aims at investigating the existence of gender differences in terms of brain waste.
2010
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International Migration Papers No. 109
Remittance transfers in Senegal: Preliminary findings, lessons, and recommendations on its marketplace and financial access opportunities
This report presents the findings of an analysis of remittances to Senegal as it pertains to its size, marketplace, and link to finances as factors associated to development. The study is based on the analysis field work research and interviews, primary data collection, and survey analysis among recipient and senders.
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International Migration Papers No. 108
Labour migration in South Asia: A review of issues, policies and practices
In this paper on Labour Migration in South Asia: A Review Of Issues, Policies and Practices, Mr. Piyasiri Wickramasekara, former Senior Migration Specialist, International Migration Programme of the ILO, reviews migration policy frameworks in South Asia and their implications for governance of migration, protection of migrant workers and maximizing development benefits of migration.
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International Migration Papers No. 107
International migration and employment in the post-reforms economy of Sri Lanka
In this paper on International migration and employment in the post-reforms economy of Sri Lanka, Mr. Piyasiri Wickramasekara, Senior Migration Specialist, International Migration Programme of the ILO, reviews the impact of market oriented economic reforms in Sri Lanka since 1977 on international migration with particular focus on its linkages with local employment and labour markets.
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International Migration Papers No. 106
Labour migration for decent work, economic growth and development in Egypt
This study is undertaken within the context of a larger project initiated by the ILO Employment Policy Department, carried out in conjunction with the International Migration programme and in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The research project aims at developing the knowledge base on decent work in Mediterranean countries related to labour migration for decent work, economic growth and development.
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International Migration Papers No. 100
Strengthening social protection for African migrant workers through social security agreements
The ‘Extending social security coverage to African migrant workers and their families project’ (MIGSEC) aims to improve national and regional strategies for the extension of social security coverage to migrant workers and their families through social security agreements, and to strengthen sub-regional mechanisms to effectively prepare or reinforce the compliance with regional social security conventions to accompany the various subregional integration processes in Africa. The MIGSEC project covers Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
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International Migration Papers No. 99
Policies and practices of highly skilled migration in times of the economic crisis
With globalization and technological innovation, the demand for migrant workers in the developed economies has shifted towards the highly skilled. Nevertheless, low-skilled migration still represents the majority of migrant flows. After decades of low-skilled immigration after WWII (mainly through guest-worker programmes), industrialized countries have recently engaged in the recruitment of highly skilled migrants. The affected economic sectors included high-technology, engineering, information technology (IT), biotechnology and health care, among others.
2009
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International Migration Papers No. 98
Afghan households and workers in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Profile and impact
This study represents the results of a process of primary data generation through field surveys of Afghan households, establishments employing Afghan workers and Afghan workers themselves, through a collaborative process among national and international experts. The findings indicate the marginal position of Afghan households and workers in the Iranian economy even after decades of stay. Furthermore, most Afghans have had little contact with Afghanistan. While the Iranian authorities maintain that all the remaining Afghans must return to Afghanistan, there are many economic and social impediments to the return of the remaining populations. Increasing restrictions and controls are likely to increase their marginalization without a perceptible impact on prospects for return. The study highlights that continuing international cooperation and bilateral dialogue are essential to sort out the complex economic, social and political issues. Meanwhile, it is necessary to support the improvement of the working conditions for Afghans in Iran, and in general to facilitate their integration.