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<p>India’s labour market, characterised by widespread informality, has witnessed heightened challenges for older adults and internal migrants, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the intersection of migration, informal employment, and ageing using unit-level data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–2021, which captures migration-related information and spans a critical period of post-lockdown recovery and second-wave disruptions. Using logistic and probit models, the analysis evaluates the likelihood of aged and migrant workers being employed informally and identifies the compounding risks faced by those at the intersection. The findings reveal that both aged and migrant workers are significantly more likely to be informally employed, with very limited access to social protection. These results underscore the structural vulnerabilities embedded in India’s labour market during crisis periods and demographic transition. The study highlights the need for expanded welfare coverage, skill development tailored to older workers, and region-specific strategies. It also calls for enhanced public investment in ageing support and more detailed migration data to inform future policy. The insights contribute to advancing inclusive labour policies and achieving relevant Sustainable Development Goals.</p>

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Migration, informal employment, and the ageing workforce in India: an exploration of PLFS unit-level data

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月31日

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  • Akash Dandapat,
  • Soumita Dasgupta,
  • Pinaki Das

摘要

India’s labour market, characterised by widespread informality, has witnessed heightened challenges for older adults and internal migrants, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the intersection of migration, informal employment, and ageing using unit-level data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–2021, which captures migration-related information and spans a critical period of post-lockdown recovery and second-wave disruptions. Using logistic and probit models, the analysis evaluates the likelihood of aged and migrant workers being employed informally and identifies the compounding risks faced by those at the intersection. The findings reveal that both aged and migrant workers are significantly more likely to be informally employed, with very limited access to social protection. These results underscore the structural vulnerabilities embedded in India’s labour market during crisis periods and demographic transition. The study highlights the need for expanded welfare coverage, skill development tailored to older workers, and region-specific strategies. It also calls for enhanced public investment in ageing support and more detailed migration data to inform future policy. The insights contribute to advancing inclusive labour policies and achieving relevant Sustainable Development Goals.