Proceedings of the 70th International Academic Conference, Madrid

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AS A MECHANISM FOR LABOR MARKET COMPLEMENTARITY AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE IN AGEING SOCIETIES

JUDYTA CABAŃSKA

Abstract:

International migration plays an increasingly important role in shaping labour markets, particularly in the context of demographic change and mounting economic pressures. The ageing populations and declining fertility rates of many developed economies are reducing the size of their domestic workforces and creating structural labour shortages across key sectors. At the same time, labour markets are becoming more dynamic and require greater flexibility to adjust to shifting economic conditions. This presentation examines how international migration can complement and stabilise labour markets in these circumstances. It illustrates how migrant workers can help to reduce labour shortages, fill structural gaps in both low- and high-skilled sectors, and support the continuity of economic activity. Migration is particularly important in addressing persistent labour deficits in sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and services. Furthermore, highly skilled migrants contribute to productivity growth, innovation and knowledge transfer, thereby strengthening long-term economic performance. As well as increasing the labour supply, migration enhances labour market adaptability, enabling economies to respond more effectively to demographic and cyclical changes. In this sense, migrants act as a buffer that supports adjustment processes and improves economic resilience. From a resilience perspective, migration strengthens economies' ability to absorb and adapt to long-term structural demographic pressures. However, the extent of this impact depends on institutional frameworks, integration policies, and the effective recognition of migrants’ qualifications. This presentation aims to demonstrate how international migration can complement labour markets and contribute to economic resilience in ageing societies.

Keywords: international migration; labor market; demographic change; population ageing; economic resilience

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2026.070.004

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