Female migrant workers surge, but reliance on two nations persists

Female labour migration in South and Southeast Asia has registered notable growth in recent years, reflecting increasing participation of women in the regional workforce. However, data reveals a concerning concentration pattern, with the overwhelming majority of female migrant workers channelling their efforts toward just two primary destination nations.

This narrow geographic focus raises questions about the sustainability and diversification of employment opportunities for women across the region. While overall migration numbers have expanded, the lack of distribution across multiple countries suggests limited job prospects in other nations and potentially restrictive immigration policies that discourage female workers from seeking employment elsewhere.

Experts point to established migration networks, family connections, and employer recruitment patterns as key factors driving this concentration. The two dominant destination countries benefit from stronger infrastructure supporting migrant workers, including legal protections and wage standards that attract female labourers seeking reliable employment abroad.

Policymakers across South and Southeast Asia are increasingly recognising the need to create more balanced migration patterns. Efforts to diversify destination countries and expand employment pathways could provide women with greater choice while distributing economic benefits more equitably across the region. Enhanced bilateral agreements and skills certification programmes are among measures being considered to broaden opportunities beyond the current two-nation concentration.