# Adverse health outcomes among migrant workers and transnational families in the Asia–Pacific: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

Migrant workers in the Asia-Pacific face high rates of work-related injuries and health issues, with their families also experiencing mental health and nutrition problems.

## Contribution

This study provides the first systematic review and meta-analysis of health outcomes among migrant workers and their families in the Asia–Pacific region.

## Key findings

- Migrant workers in the Asia-Pacific region experience high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses, with 37% reporting at least one work-related morbidity.
- Transnational families left behind show significant mental health issues (50.1%) and undernutrition (31.4%).
- Migrant workers face higher health risks compared to local workers, with a pooled relative risk of 1.29 for work-related morbidities.

## Abstract

Labour migration is a growing global phenomenon, with migrant workers known to be more likely to experience exploitative and precarious work, impacting their health. Despite hosting over 27 million international migrant workers, the Asia–Pacific region remains underrepresented in global health evidence, limiting the development of targeted, region-specific health interventions. This study aims to investigate the health status of migrant workers and their transnational families in the Asia–Pacific region.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42024528561) of primary studies published between Jan 1, 2013, and April 1, 2024. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Ovid Global Health for studies reporting work-related morbidity and mortality among international migrant workers and their transnational families in the Asia–Pacific region. A narrative synthesis identified occupational risks; a meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence of morbidity among migrant workers and relative risks compared to local workers.

Of 2877 studies identified, 54 met inclusion criteria, including 38 eligible for meta-analysis, encompassing 86,620 individuals across 17 Asia–Pacific countries. Among migrant workers (n = 64,172), 88.4% experienced occupational injuries and illnesses including work-related injuries, pesticide poisoning symptoms and respiratory diseases (n = 45,661), with 75% of migrant workers in this large dataset working in high-risk sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services (including drivers and restaurant workers). 3.8% reported symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression (n = 1975), and 3.8% had musculoskeletal disorders (n = 1973). The pooled prevalence of at least one work-related morbidity was 37% (95% CI: 27–47; I2 = 99.0%), with a pooled relative risk of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.10–1.52; I2 = 47.4%) compared with local workers. Among transnational families left behind in the migrant worker's country of origin (n = 22,448), 50.1% reported mental health issues (n = 1520), and 31.4% experienced undernutrition (n = 954). Key contributing factors to poor health outcomes of migrant workers included long working hours, workplace hazards, precarious working conditions, and healthcare access barriers.

Migrant workers in the Asia–Pacific face substantial risks of a wide range of occupational injuries and illnesses. Although some studies support the “healthy migrant effect,” this advantage clearly diminishes over time due to cumulative exposure to occupational and structural stressors. Strengthening occupational safety, regulating working hours, and improving healthcare access, are urgent priorities for countries hosting large migrant worker populations and employers of migrant workers.

Ministry of Education, Taiwan; 10.13039/100010269Wellcome Trust (318501/Z/24/Z and 335954/Z/25/Z); 10.13039/501100000265UK Medical Research Council (MR/W006677/1); UK National Health Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR209895); the 10.13039/100010434‘la Caixa' Foundation (LCF/PR/SP21/52930003).