Migrant workers in China, like 53-year-old Guan Junling, are facing challenges finding jobs as they age. With no retirement or pensions, many must continue working well past the typical retirement age to make ends meet. As China’s population ages, so do its migrant workers, with about 85 million workers over the age of 50 in 2022. Limited access to pensions and healthcare leaves these workers with little choice but to keep working.
A study conducted on first-generation migrant workers revealed that about 75% of them expect to work beyond the age of 60. However, older workers are facing difficulties finding employment due to job shortages in industries like construction and factories, as well as age discrimination. Many job opportunities now go to younger individuals, leaving older migrant workers struggling to find stable employment.
In response to the challenges faced by older migrant workers, some are turning to temporary work to make ends meet. However, the temporary job market may not always provide stable income or long-term solutions for these workers. Some officials and scholars have proposed measures such as relaxing age limits for jobs and providing better support for older workers through labor markets and online platforms.
Despite the challenges, many older migrant workers like Guan Junling and Duan Shuangzhu remain resilient and determined to keep working. Guan, who relies on housecleaning gigs to save money for emergencies, fears jobs may become even harder to find as she ages. Duan, who collects trash in Beijing, continues to work at 68, focusing on providing for his family rather than planning for his own retirement. These workers exemplify the struggles and resilience of older migrant workers in China’s evolving economy.
