Migrant, Domestic & Seasonal Workers: The Overlooked Vulnerable Workforce

Migrant, domestic and seasonal workers are a huge but vulnerable workforce in the world that is usually left out of the protection despite driving economies. By 2025, there are 150 million migrant workers in India alone (30 per cent of 500 million workforce), and 20 million migrant workers in Maharashtra and 8 per cent increase in OECD seasonal migration in labor shortages. These people are exploited in the form of debts, low salaries, inadequate housing and reduced rights, and the fact that they have temporary visas that entrap them in the hands of sponsors. The domestic workers are mostly women, who are isolated and abused. This paper has underscored their struggles and how they need reform.​ Explore detailed guides on migrant worker protections and fair employment standards on our Migrant Labour Rights page.

Migrant Workers: Economic Backbone, Rights Gap

The 150 million interstate migrants are responsible in construction (15 million) and manufacturing (28 million) in India, and they do not have access to social security and are victims of wage theft and non inclusion in schemes. OECD figures around the world indicate a surge of seasonal/working holiday permits but relocation debts (average of £1,142) tie the workers up with exploitative employers.​

Domestic Workers: Isolated Exploitation

Domestic workers, who are mostly women, are victims to invisibility- there are no contracts, no payment of overtime, and no right to complain. They sweep houses in the face of persecution in the cities such as Delhi (15 million migrants), where there is little legal remedy against ILO confusions. Checkout the twelve countries that have been accused of exploiting migrant labour, detailing the nature of the abuse, the sectors involved.

Read Also: 10 Best Countries for Migrant Workers in 2025

Seasonal Workers: Short-Term Traps

Seasonal Worker Scheme Issuing 35,561 visas in 2024, 39% survey response showed 70% of arrivals were debt-financed, 38% transfer refusals and only 75% finishing contracts due to retaliation fears. The Indian migrants are the most affected by the heat stress, which costs billions in time lost.​

Shared Vulnerabilities

• Debt and Dependency: loans are imposed due to the pre-arrival costs and complaints are not heard.
• Constrained Mobility: The existence of Visa ties and transfer blocks perpetrates abuse.
• No Safety Nets: There are no health, pensions or unions, which increases precarity.

Reforms Needed

Adopt Employer Pays Principle independent transfers and Portable Benefits. The future migration survey conducted in India in July 2026 will contribute towards the policies based on data. ILO standards are enforced all over the world which guarantees dignity.​ Core rights of the domestic workers in various countries for a rightful employment and protection.