Migrant workers

Measuring labour migration in ASEAN: Analysis from the ILO’s International Labour Migration Statistics (ILMS) Database

This report presents the latest statistics on international labour migration in ASEAN.

The International Labour Migration Statistics (ILMS) Database in ASEAN was launched in 2013 and has been published annually since 2014. In validating, annotating and gathering together ASEAN Member States’ data from national surveys and administrative records, the ILMS Database in ASEAN fills a knowledge gap for national and regional policy-makers and for the broader research community.

This report showcases the rich data collected from ASEAN Member States and illustrates labour migration trends. It presents the latest statistics on international labour migration in ASEAN, providing a comprehensive picture of the demographic profiles and work- characteristics of migrant workers in the labour markets of ASEAN countries of destination, as well as the flows of labour migration to and from the ASEAN region.

Second, this report takes stock of the current status, successes and challenges in measuring labour migration in the ASEAN region. The report highlights the need for ongoing coordination and data sharing among Member States, and also offers solutions for expanding and improving data collection in line with the latest international standards. By informing policy decisions at the highest levels, international labour migration statistics benefit both countries of origin and destination, as well as the women and men migrant workers currently living and working in the region and beyond.