ILO Report Highlights Global Domestic Worker Informality
A 2025 analysis reveals that 66.5 million domestic workers globally remain in informal, often underpaid, employment.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Employment
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The International Labour Organization report details that 83.1% of the global 80 million domestic workers are informally employed. This data reflects conditions as of 2025, noting a persistent gap in wages compared to the broader workforce.
Why it matters
The high rate of informality, particularly for a workforce that is 77.2% female, underscores significant challenges in securing labor protections and fair compensation. These conditions highlight the structural vulnerability of millions working long hours with limited legal oversight.
Informal employment affects 83.1% of the 80 million domestic workers worldwide, with informality rates reaching 93.3% in Africa. These workers earn just 53.3% of the average monthly wages earned by other global employees.
The players
International Labour Organization
This United Nations agency is responsible for setting international labor standards and developing policies for decent work.
The details
Nearly 35.2% of domestic workers labor at least 49 hours per week, with 14.6% working 60 hours or more. Those in informal arrangements face even steeper economic challenges, earning only 48.7% of the average wage of other employees.
Timeline
The global domestic workforce reached 75.6 million people in 2019.
Data from 2025 indicates 66.5 million domestic workers were informally employed.
The ILO released this report on domestic labor conditions in October 2026.
Macro View
This report marks 15 years since the adoption of the Domestic Workers Convention and assesses how labor conditions have evolved. The current trends indicate that informal labor remains a dominant feature of the sector despite decades of international policy advocacy.
The prevalence of informal work means many domestic employees lack access to standard social security, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. Families employing domestic workers should be aware that these informal arrangements often correlate with lower wages and longer hours for the employee.
The takeaway
Understanding the scale of informal domestic labor is essential for recognizing the global gaps in wage equity and workplace safety. Addressing these figures requires coordinated policy efforts to transition workers into formal, protected employment arrangements.
Further reading
For broader trends in labor metrics, visit the Employment section.
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Should governments strengthen labor and social protections for domestic workers in your nation?
