Temporary labour migration has become a prominent feature in the labour migration landscape. There is no clear definition of temporary migration, either in the academic literature or at the policy level. Different countries make efforts to measure their own temporary migrants through visa systems but registration processes vary and it is difficult to get a global statistical picture. The forms and impacts of temporary migration are thus diverse and complex.


In this context, the background report Temporary labour migration: Unpacking complexities provides the first global analysis of the interrelated elements that condition the evolution of temporary labour migration while suggesting areas for further action in light of addressing the protection gaps that emerge for temporary migrant workers. This Report stems from the demand of ILO constituents to the Office at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference (2017) and the Governing Body .

In addition, under the joint guidance of the Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), the Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP), and the Labour Migration Branch (MIGRANT) the ILO has produced input studies that gather views on and experience with temporary labour migration from the perspectives of workers’ organizations and the business community respectively.