ADBI–OECD–ILO Study: Asian Labor Migration Needs Ethical Recruitment and Training Reforms
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: Ministry of Labour & Employment | Ministry of External Affairs
The joint report, released after the 14th ADBI-OECD-ILO Roundtable, offers fresh insights into labor migration across Asia. The region remains the world’s largest source of migrant workers, with over 70 million Asians working abroad in 2023 and sending back USD 435 billion in remittances, equivalent to nearly 10% of GDP in Nepal and 8.5% in the Philippines. Recruitment costs remain high, sometimes consuming the equivalent of several months’ wages for low-skilled workers, underscoring the urgency of fairer systems.
The report highlights that countries with comprehensive pre-departure training programs, such as the Philippines and Nepal, record stronger migrant protection outcomes. Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker program has attracted over 200,000 migrants since 2019, showing how structured pathways can fill skill gaps while safeguarding workers. Statistical annexes provide country-wise comparisons of migration flows, remittances, and recruitment cost benchmarks, offering an empirical basis for policymaking.
Follow the full report here:
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/1079986/labor-migration-asia-fair-recruitment-training-and-development.pdf