G20: Skill-based migration pathways to spur formalisation of workforce

To prepare for the future of work, the leaders of the world's top economies at the G20 summit on Saturday recognised that the movement of skilled professionals benefits both the origin and destination

The integrated skills-based migration pathways would help expand job opportunities for skilled professionals across the globe. This, in turn, will lead to formalisation of the workforce, thus proving to be a better sustainable mode of financing social protection for all workers, said experts. 

The leaders at the G20 summit on Saturday recognised that the movement of skilled professionals benefits both the origin and destination countries. They welcomed the efforts to map and address the global skill gaps by strengthening national statistical data systems.

Deepak Sood, secretary general, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) said the skill gap is an issue of special importance to India. It must fully leverage its demographic dividend and create opportunities for the workforce globally.

Echoing a similar view, Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder, Teamlease Services, said it is a big positive for skilled professionals from India.

According to Chakraborty, it will not only help in creating more job opportunities for them, but will also help them in gaining more exposure to international norms and standards. They can also upgrade their own skills. 

“At a time when major economies are suffering from labour shortage, India has already been recognised as a talent capital. The current move will help the Indian workforce move into non- traditional sectors of employment like teaching, agriculture, manufacturing,” she added. 

Gilbert F. Houngbo, director general, International Labour Organization (ILO) also welcomed the G20 Leaders’ support for the United Nations Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, which is an initiative to help create 400 million jobs and extend social protection coverage to the 4 billion people currently excluded.

“The G20 leadership has made progress on some of the most crucial future of work issues facing us to build a sustainable and equitable future. We must build on this momentum, particularly at the UN SDG Summit later this month,” Houngbo said in a statement.

Following two days of discussions, the leaders also committed themselves to promoting sustainable, quality, healthy, safe and gainful employment. They also called for adequate and sustainable social protection and decent work for gig and platform workers. 

The leaders also agreed to create a new working group on the empowerment of women. They reaffirmed the importance of gender equality and the promotion of full, equal, effective and meaningful participation of women in the economy as decision-makers. 

“The G20 reaffirms that gender equality is of fundamental importance. Investing in the empowerment of women and girls has a multiplier effect in implementing the 2030 Agenda,” the declaration reads. 

Lohit Bhatia, president, Indian Staffing Federation, said the renewed focus on social security brings issues like frontline employment generation, especially for women, to the fore. According to him, providing formal jobs is the best way to fund the social security of workers.