DEFINITION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR MIGRATION AND TRENDS BETWEEN EUROPE AND ASIA

Labour migration refers to the movement of workers from one place to another in search of better job opportunities, wages, and living conditions. It is a phenomenon that has been taking place throughout history, as people have moved from rural areas to cities and across borders to find employment. Labour migration is driven by various factors, including economic, political, and social considerations, and can be both voluntary and forced. It has a significant impact on the economies and societies of both the origin and destination countries, affecting issues such as workforce demographics, employment, and wages, and often results in cultural exchange and integration [1].

The trend of international migration has continued to rise over the past several decades. In 2020, the estimated number of international migrants reached 281 million, a significant increase from 1990's estimated 128 million and over three times the 1970 estimate [2]. These numbers highlight the significant impact that migration has on our world and underscore the importance of continued examination and understanding of this dynamic phenomenon.

Labour migration between Europe and Asia has been a dynamic and growing phenomenon in recent years. With the rapid economic growth and increased globalization, many workers from Asian countries have been attracted to European nations in search of higher wages and better working conditions. On the other hand, some European countries have been seeking labor from Asia to fill labor shortages in certain industries. In the past 5 years, the trend of labour migration between Europe and Asia has continued to evolve, and both positive and negative impacts have been observed. Some of the main issues surrounding labour migration between Europe and Asia in recent years include language barriers, cultural differences, discrimination, and integration into the host society. Despite these challenges, many workers have been able to establish successful careers and contribute to the economies of their host countries. As the global economy continues to change and expand, the labour migration between Europe and Asia is expected to continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of both regions [3], [4].

Major source countries for labour migration: from Asia to Europe include India (IT, engineering, and healthcare sectors), China (manufacturing, construction, and finance), Philippines (working as domestic helpers, caregivers, and in the healthcare sector); from Asia to Europe include United Kingdom (finance, healthcare, and education), Germany (manufacturing, engineering, and IT), Italy (agriculture, construction, and in the food and beverage sector) [3].

In Europe, the major source countries for labour migration include Poland, Romania and Bulgaria (construction, manufacturing, and in the service); migration from Europe to Asia include United Arab Emirates (finance, real estate, and tourism), Qatar (construction, engineering, and in the oil and gas sector), Singapore (finance, healthcare, and education) [3].

Factors contributing to the flow of labour migration [5], [6]:

Economic factors: The main factor driving labour migration between Asia and Europe is economic. Workers from Asia are attracted to Europe due to higher wages and better working conditions, while European countries are seeking labor from Asia to address labor shortages in certain industries.

Demographic factors: The aging population of Europe and the increasing number of retirees has contributed to the demand for labor from Asia. Europe has a shortage of young workers, while Asia has a large pool of young and skilled workers.

Political factors: Political stability, human rights, and security are key factors that contribute to the flow of labour migration between Asia and Europe. Countries with stable political systems and better human rights records are more likely to attract workers from other regions.

Education and skill level: The education and skill level of workers is also a key factor in determining the flow of labour migration between Asia and Europe. Skilled workers with high levels of education are in high demand in Europe, while workers with lower levels of education are more likely to work in lower-skilled jobs.

Family ties: Family ties and networks play a key role in the flow of labour migration between Asia and Europe. Many workers are motivated to move to Europe to be closer to family members or to take advantage of opportunities to support their families back home.

In 2020, Asia – with its population of over 4.6 billion people – was the source of a large portion of the world's international migrants, estimated to be around 115 million. Intraregional migration within Asia has also seen significant growth, with 69 million migrants residing within the continent, a rise from the 61 million estimated in 2015 [7].

The migration of people from Asia to Northern America and Europe has also seen a marked increase in recent years. In 2020, migration from Asia to Northern America reached 17.5 million, up from 17.3 million in 2015, while migration to Europe stood at 23 million, an increase from almost 20 million in 2015. This has driven much of the increase in the number of Asian migrants living outside of the region, totaling over 46 million extraregional migrants in 2020 [8].

On the other hand, the number of non-Asian migrants residing in Asia has remained relatively low since 1990. The largest group of migrants from outside Asia in the region are Europeans, including those from the European part of the former Soviet Union who now reside in Central Asia. Meanwhile, the number of African migrants in Asia has also grown. These numbers highlight the diverse and constantly evolving migration patterns within and from Asia [2].

In 2020, Europe saw a significant rise in international migration with nearly 87 million migrants residing in the region, an increase of 16% since 2015. Of these, over 44 million were born in Europe but lived elsewhere in the region, a number that has risen since 2015. At the same time, the population of non-European migrants in Europe reached over 40 million [9]. 

In 1990, there were approximately equal numbers of Europeans living outside of Europe and non-Europeans residing in Europe. However, over the past three decades, the number of Europeans living outside the continent has mostly declined and only recently returned to 1990 levels. In 2020, about 19 million Europeans were based primarily in Asia and Northern America. There has also been a gradual increase in the number of European migrants in Asia and Oceania from 2010 to 2020, as depicted in the figure [8].

The demographic profile of migrant workers in Asia and Europe varies widely, reflecting the different motivations and circumstances that drive migration. Some common factors that shape the profile of migrant workers in both regions include [8], [10], [11]:

• Age: Migrant workers in Asia and Europe tend to be young, with a large proportion being in their 20s and 30s.

• Gender: Women are increasingly represented among migrant workers, particularly in healthcare, domestic work, and other care-related occupations.

• Education: The level of education of migrant workers varies widely, with some highly educated professionals, such as engineers and doctors, working in certain industries, and others with limited education working in low-skilled occupations.

• Skill level: Migrant workers can range from highly skilled professionals to low-skilled workers, with varying levels of expertise and training.

• Occupation: Migrant workers in Asia and Europe work in a range of occupations, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries.

• Country of origin: Migrants come from a variety of countries, with some originating from within the region and others from further afield.

• Length of stay: people can be short-term or long-term, with some returning home after a period of time and others settling permanently in the host country.

Europe and Asia have engaged in various collaborative efforts to manage migration flows between their regions. European and Asian countries have signed bilateral agreements to regulate migration, including agreements on the recruitment and protection of migrant workers, and the establishment of joint mechanisms to address related social and economic issues.

 Also continents have established joint initiatives and programs aimed at managing migration and promoting the integration of migrants into the host society, such as language classes, cultural integration programs, and employment programs. Regional organizations, such as the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), have established cooperation frameworks aimed at promoting cross-border migration and addressing related social and economic issues. Europe and Asia have collaborated on the exchange of information and research on migration, aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of migration and identifying effective policy responses. 

Civil society organizations have played an important role in supporting migrant workers in Europe and Asia. They have provided legal aid and advocacy services for migrant workers, aimed at protecting their rights and improving their working conditions. Organizations have established programs to support the health and welfare of migrant workers, including access to healthcare, education, and housing. They have engaged in awareness-raising and education campaigns aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance of migrants and addressing prejudice and discrimination.

The future outlook of labour migration between Asia and Europe will depend on a number of factors, including economic conditions, demographic trends, and government policies. The demand for migrant workers will continue to be driven by the economic needs of both Asia and Europe, with sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and care work expected to remain key sources of employment for migrants. The aging populations of Europe and the rapidly developing economies of Asia will likely continue to create demand for migrant workers to fill shortages in the labor market. The policies and programs of governments in both Asia and Europe will play a critical role in shaping the future outlook of labour migration, with a focus on improving the rights and working conditions of migrant workers, and promoting the integration of migrants into the host society. The impact of technological change, such as automation and artificial intelligence, will likely have important implications for the future of labour migration, potentially reducing the demand for low-skilled workers while increasing the demand for high-skilled workers. The political climate and public opinion towards immigration will continue to be important factors affecting the future outlook of labour migration, with ongoing debates and discussions around the benefits and costs of immigration expected to shape government policies and public opinion [12], [13].

Labour migration between Europe and Asia is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that poses both challenges and opportunities for both regions. Addressing these challenges and opportunities is critical to promoting the rights and well-being of migrant workers, and to ensuring the social and economic benefits of migration are realized. The importance of promoting the rights and working conditions of migrant workers, through the implementation of effective policies and programs aimed at improving their access to healthcare, education, and housing, and protecting their rights and safety in the workplace. The importance of promoting the integration of migrants into the host society, through the development of community building initiatives and education and awareness-raising campaigns, and the provision of legal aid and advocacy services. The importance of engaging in informed and evidence-based policy development and research, to ensure that the social and economic impacts of migration are understood and addressed, and that effective policies are developed to manage migration and promote the rights and well-being of migrant workers.

1. The International Labour Organization (ILO) website: https://www.ilo.org/

 2. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) website: https://www.iom.int/

3. Migrants and Migration in Asia and Europe: A Comparative Study" edited by Ismail S. Al-Faruqi and Brigitte Nacos.

4. Migration and Mobility in the Era of Globalization" edited by Thomas Faist and Tanja T. Aalberts

5. "European and Asian Immigrants in the Labor Market: A Comparative Study" by Liliana J. Bartolic-Zlomislic

 5. "Labour Migration in Asia: Trends and Policy Issues" by Shu-Yi Oei and Thomas Jandl

6. "From Asia to Europe: Patterns and Drivers of International Labour Migration" by Kook-Min Park and Yasemin Özdalga.

8. European Commission. Overall figures of immigrants in European society website: commission.europa.eu

9. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) website: https://www.undp.org/

10. "Transnational Labor Migration, Remittances, and the Changing Family in Asia" edited by Myron W. Lustig and Jolene K. Lim

 11. "European and Asian Immigrant Women in the Labour Market: A Comparative Study" edited by Liliana J. Bartolic-Zlomislic

 12. "The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World" by P. Frankopan

13. "Global Migration and Development in the 21st Century" edited by K.C. Zachariah and R. Sudarshan.