International female migrants in the labour market, with regard to COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The rise in the volume of international migration at the global level has resulted in increased participation of migrants in the labour market of the receiving countries, imposing needs for targeted integration policies and measures. A significant proportion of international migrants around the world are women. Relying on statistical data and relevant literature, the paper analyzes and critically discusses the position of migrant women in the labour market of destination countries, pointing out limitations and problems they face with. In this regard, the paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the international migration of women, with special emphasis on determining the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the position of women born abroad in the Serbian labour market, but also female migrants from Serbia. While discussing gender differences in the position of international migrants on the labour market, the dual vulnerability of female migrants was pointed out as well as the likely impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the deepening of gender inequalities. The need to formulate policies and measures sensitive to the vulnerability of a social group of women with migrant backgrounds had been emphasized.