Labour migration in South Asia

As globalisation takes root, economies based on rural, subsistence agriculture are gradually being replaced by urban, industrial and service economies. This process of economic transformation coupled with demographic dynamics will continue to generate migration flows into urban areas within Asian countries and abroad, especially in South Asia where urbanisation rates are still low. From 2000 to 2010, the number of migrants from South Asia has more than doubled, with an increasing percentage of women also moving independently.

For those who leave, migration is an important livelihood strategy. Their remittances enable those who stay behind to make ends meet. However, in receiving economies, migration is often characterized by high risks and poor employment conditions. Inflows of migrants can generate downward pressure on wages, sub-standard working and living conditions, and create the conditions for forced labour.

The ILO is working with governments in India and across South Asia on policies to reduce the vulnerability of migrants, especially women and girls, in both source and destination countries. These measures include upholding migrants’ rights, and fair recruitment regulations and practices. In source countries they include policies that link migration with human security, local economic development and social protection; and in countries of destination, labour market policies, workers’ rights and access to justice.