Labour Migration and the Informal Economy: Dynamics of Self-Reliance, Resource Control, and Economic Adaptation

This article examines the intricate relationship between labour migration and the informal economy, highlighting how migrants engage in informal economic activities to achieve self-reliance, flexibility, and control over resources. Framing migration as a strategic adaptation to socioeconomic inequalities and limited formal employment, the study draws on theories of human capital, livelihood diversification, and informalization to show how the informal economy functions as both a safety net and a platform for entrepreneurial innovation. The paper argues that labour migration and informality form an interdependent system that shapes the development trajectories of both origin and destination economies, emphasizing the broader implications for economic empowerment and social inclusion.