Globally, in 2019, there are 272 million international migrants (UN-DESA, 2019). In 2018 the ILO estimated that there were 164 million international migrant workers (ILO, 2018a).Migrants who are fully integrated into the labour market can boost the income per capita of recipient economies by providing the labour and skills needed in critical occupations and sectors. Upon their return home, migrants at all skill levels also have the potential to make a positive contribution to economic development through financial investments, as well as human and social capital acquired abroad, such as new skills, ideas and know-how (ILO, 2017a). ILO evidence convincingly demonstrates the positive impact of recognition of skills and qualifications to address various labour market challenges and to bring substantial benefits for individuals, employers and national economies (Braňka, 2016). This is one of the primary reasons why countries are making significant efforts to improve their skills recognition tools and systems.
This guide seeks to assist employment services providers to address these challenges, given their key role as a bridge between employers and workers, by providing guidance and good practice examples. Employment services providers, who are mandated to open service lines for migrant workers and refugees, can provide labour market services including support for the validation and certification of the competencies and skills acquired formally, non-formally or informally.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased waves of return migration, and the need for effective policy measures for labour market and social reintegration. This guide indicates possible approaches to addressing these issues, with a particular focus on skills recognition
