India thrives on the backbone of its 450 million Challenges of migrant workers, who move across states and cities to build our homes, power our factories, and harvest our food. Yet, despite their contributions, these workers remain among the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in the country.
At Rozgar Dhaba, we believe the time has come to recognize, respect, and reinvest in the migrant workforce. This blog explores the challenges of migrant workers in India and highlights meaningful pathways to secure a brighter future.
The Ground Reality: Who Are India’s Migrant Workers?
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO):
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India has 450 million internal migrant workers, expected to rise to 500 million by 2030.
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Most are employed in informal sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, and small-scale manufacturing.
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Average wages for migrant workers stand at around Rs. 10,000 per month, significantly lower than their non-migrant counterparts who earn approximately Rs. 15,000.
Often self-employed or working under unregistered contractors, migrant workers frequently lack legal protections and social security—leaving them exposed to exploitation, discrimination, and poverty.
Key Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers
1. Low and Unequal Wages
Despite doing physically demanding and essential work, migrant workers are typically underpaid, with minimal job security and no overtime or benefits.
2. Poor Working Conditions
They often work in unsafe and unhygienic environments, exposed to dust, chemicals, extreme weather, and machinery with little or no protective equipment.
3. Exploitation and Abuse
Without contracts or legal awareness, many migrant workers fall prey to wage theft, unfair dismissals, and verbal or physical abuse.
4. Discrimination
Workers often face social and cultural exclusion based on language, caste, religion, or region. This affects their ability to rent housing, access jobs, or even receive medical care.
5. Limited Access to Essential Services
Lacking formal identification, stable addresses, or documentation, migrant workers are frequently denied basic services like healthcare, education, housing, and government schemes.
Pathways to Dignity and Empowerment
There is no one-size-fits-all solution—but collective action across government, civil society, and industry can transform the lives of millions.
1. Fair Wages and Safe Workplaces
Stronger enforcement of labour laws, minimum wage standards, and occupational safety guidelines is essential to protect the dignity and rights of workers.
2. Legal Aid and Grievance Redressal
Setting up accessible legal helpdesks and helplines can empower workers to report violations and seek justice.
3. Inclusive and Diverse Workplaces
Businesses must take the lead in creating inclusive cultures that recognize and respect migrant workers—providing opportunities for growth and upskilling.
4. Access to Basic Services
The government should ease the process for migrants to access healthcare, housing, and social welfare, regardless of their state of origin.
5. Support and Skilling Initiatives
Organizations working at the grassroots level should be supported to provide training, awareness, and employment pathways that transition workers into the organized sector.
Rozgar Dhaba: On the Ground with India’s Migrant Workforce
At Rozgar Dhaba, we are committed to empowering rural and migrant communities by:
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Providing livelihood information in local languages.
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Skilling workers in trades that are in demand in the organized sector.
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Connecting them to dignified job opportunities that offer fair pay and protections.
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Engaging with employers to create better onboarding, safety, and support systems.
We work in the interiors of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, helping those who are often the last to be reached, but the first to carry the weight of India’s growth.
Let’s Build a Fairer Future—Together
India’s migrant workers deserve more than survival. They deserve respect, opportunity, and stability. By supporting initiatives like Rozgar Dhaba and pushing for systemic change, we can ensure that those who build our cities are no longer forced to live in the shadows.
Join us at www.rozgardhaba.com to be part of the movement.
Let’s empower every worker, every journey, and every dream.