Forecasting and meeting future demand for migrant labor

This ILO brief explains how countries can anticipate and meet future labour-market needs by integrating labour-market forecasting, skills diagnostics and well-governed migration pathways. The document highlights demographic shifts, ageing populations, skills shortages and technological change as key drivers of migrant-labour demand (page 1). It outlines a three-pillar approach: identifying current and future shortages using labour-market information systems; improving training and skills development in origin countries; and facilitating safe, regular and mutually beneficial migration channels (page 2). Examples from Europe, the Gulf and East Africa illustrate the need for coordinated forecasting systems, improved recognition of qualifications, stronger public employment services and multi-stakeholder skills-mobility partnerships.