Labour Migration Outflow Database

The present database on labour migrant outflows compiles time series data on annual labour outflows from select countries of origin to respective countries of destination. For example the database can display how many migrants from Bangladesh left Bangladesh in each year (between 1976 to latest available year) to work in the United Arab Emirates. Please note that these data do not display the stock of migrants currently working in a specific country of destination.

These outflow data were compiled by ESCAP, based on official administrative records from countries of origin, typically by the overseas administration. These data are largely based on records of permits for overseas employment or emigration clearance. Those administrative records are often the only available source on labour out-migration in a country. However, administrative records in some cases may under-estimate the number of labour migrants, as many migrants leave the country for work without official clearance.

The designations employed in this database are those from administrative records by countries of origin and migrants do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

These data show time series of labour migrant outflows to each country or territory of destination.

Last updated: 29 December 2024