Data on labour migration outflows

Labour migration outflow database

The labour migrant outflow database provides time series data on annual labour migrant workers outflows from selected countries of origin to respective countries of destination.

These data were compiled by ESCAP, based on official administrative records from countries of origin, typically by the overseas administrative government entities. These data are largely based on records of permits for overseas employment or emigration clearance. Administrative records are often the only available source on labour emigration for a country. However, they may under-estimate the number of migrant workers, as many migrant workers leave a country for work without official clearance.

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