Considering the crucial role migrants play in the global labour market, there is an urgent need for host countries and regions to collaborate on policies that align with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 143, which aims to establish an environment where migrants are welcomed, safeguarded and empowered, GLORIA NWAFOR writes

In recent years, conflict, insecurity, and the effects of climate change have contributed heavily to the massive movements of persons either within countries or across borders.

Stakeholders are pushing for the implementation of policies that promote inclusivity in a bid to create a more welcoming environment for migrants.

They are convinced that current national legislations often fall short of addressing the diverse needs of migrants, who contribute significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of society. They emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities in education, employment, and healthcare so that migrants can fully integrate and thrive.

The age-long advocacy comes amid growing public debate over immigration, with many calling for a more compassionate approach.

A new study says that as of the year 2022, migrants accounted for 4.7 per cent of the labour force.

The report indicated that 167.7 million migrants were part of the labour force of their destination countries in 2022, stating that out of these, 102.7 million were men and 64.9 million were women (rounded figures).

On labour market inclusion, the report stated that of the 167.7 million migrants in the labour force in 2022, 155.6 million were employed, while 12.1 million were unemployed.

This, it said, represents an increase of more than 30 million since 2013, an increase that was mainly happening between 2013 to 2019.

According to the United Nations, many migrant workers are often in temporary, informal, or unprotected jobs, exposing them to a greater risk of insecurity, layoffs, and poor working conditions.

The global body said due to a persistent lack of safe and regular migration pathways, millions continue to explore irregular routes.

It stated that since 2014, more than 50,000 migrants have lost their lives in migratory routes across the world.

However, despite this, it said migrants have proven to be a source of prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development to countries of origin, transit, and host countries.

Indeed, migrants’ financial contribution through remittance offers a lifeline to families and spurs local markets, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Specifically, diaspora remittances to Nigeria in 2022 stood at $21.9 billion, while that of India in the same year was $110 billion.

Experts say it is a huge contribution to the economy of a nation by the group, notwithstanding their knowledge, networks and skills that have greatly contributed to the development of resilient communities.

To improve the governance of migration and address the challenges they face, the experts are of the view that strengthening their contribution to sustainable development requires collective effort.

In Nigeria, International Migrants Day, which is celebrated globally on December 18, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) and the National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX), commemorates the day, recognizing migrants’ contribution.

They celebrate the migrant communities in Lagos, where countries like India, Mali, Ghana, Liberia, and the Philippines, in attendance, grace the occasion with different foods, dances, dressing, and culture.

Head of MRC, Lagos, Maureen Ovie, said the occasion was to reinforce the commitment to building inclusive societies where every migrant is valued, respected and granted the dignity they deserve.

Ovie, who is also a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said there is a need for nations to join hands to protect migrants better anywhere they are found and not see them as less of a human.

She said the purpose was to celebrate the diversity and resilience of migrants worldwide and reaffirm the centre’s dedication to fostering a world where their rights are upheld, their contributions recognised and their aspirations supported.

“We echo the principles laid out in the ILO Convention 143 on Migrant Protection, which Convention I am happy and proud to affirm its ratification in March last year by Nigeria. This pivotal convention embodies the commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of migrant workers and their families. It serves as a beacon guiding us towards ensuring fair treatment, non-discrimination, decent work and the fundamental human rights of all migrants,” she said.

Head of Lagos State on Diaspora Affairs, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the roles of migrants in achieving sustainable development.

According to him, there must be collaborative efforts among states, nations and regions to be able to address migrants’ challenges.

He said to achieve collaborative efforts on shared knowledge and history in dealing with migrants’ situations, there was a need to understand and learn peculiarities while getting a working template to address them globally.

Recognising the presence of a huge population of migrants in Lagos, he said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was interested in championing the cause, the reason he set up the office of Diaspora Affairs, to cater to the peculiar needs of the diasporan communities and other countries resident in Lagos.

He urged migrants to look at sustainable development through environmental stewardship, social equity and their role in ensuring the development of nations globally.

As part of bringing the migrant communities together, he revealed plans by the state to unveil diaspora community games, where they would all come together and compete for talent.

“Addressing the cons of irregular migration would go a long way if we go together as a nation. The AU, ECOWAS and community of states come together in collaboration with states in the global north who may finance, support and pass policies to nations to partner for progress.

“Having about 2,000 Malians in Lagos and more than 45,000 Indians, we want to have a community of diaspora, where we will have activities such as recognitions, awards and celebrate their contribution to Lagos.

“It is not just homogenous but a confluence of people coming together from various nations that contributed over the years to make Lagos a global city that attracts the best. We want them to come together to create unity and bond and let them know that Governor Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos government is there for them and celebrate their contribution to the state,” he added.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ascentech Services Limited, Prabbakoran Sheeju, a migrant who has stayed in Nigeria for many years, urged migrants to abide by the rules and procedures of their country of stay.

Stating that Africans started migrating from time immemorial, he said Africa has great potential.

In his address at the 347th session of the ILO Governing Body, the Director General, Gilbert Houngbo, stressed: “The ILO must continue to fight against all forms of discrimination, exclusion and inequality at work, directed at all groups, including those most marginalised and most vulnerable, at the national, regional and global levels.

“Convention No. 143 is bound to make a key contribution in this sense by establishing the basic rights and protections for migrant workers in an irregular situation and broadening pre-existing standards regarding equality of treatment for migrant workers in a regular situation.”

The ILO boss highlighted the complexities of labour migration and the need for targeted policies to support international migrants.

Houngbo stated that targeted policies should include improving access to decent work opportunities and enhancing the protection of migrant workers.

According to him, with many migrants employed in high-demand sectors, ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities for fostering sustainable development and inclusive labour markets is a policy priority.

The ILO Director-General stated that migrant workers are indispensable in addressing global labour shortages and contributing to economic growth.

He said ensuring their rights and access to decent work was not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

Noting that significant gender disparities persisted, he said migrant women had an employment-to-population ratio of only 48.1 per cent, compared to 72.8 per cent for migrant men.

According to him, migrants faced a higher unemployment rate (7.2 per cent) compared to non-migrants (5.2 per cent), with migrant women (8.7 per cent) experiencing higher unemployment levels than men (6.2 per cent).

“This disparity may be driven by factors such as language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, discrimination, limited childcare options, and gender-based expectations that restrict employment opportunities, particularly for women,” he said.