Abstract: Based on the urban level data from 2011 to 2018 in China, this study explores the impact of digital economy development on the employment of migrant workers from an inclusive perspective. The findings show that digital economy development has enhanced the employment inclusiveness of the whole society. The employment inclusiveness is reflected in three aspects. First, compared to the labor force with urban registered residences, the digital economy plays a greater role in promoting the employment of migrant workers. Secondly, among migrant workers, compared to young and middle-aged workers, the digital economy can better promote the employment of middle-aged and elderly migrant workers. Thirdly, compared to high skilled workers, the digital economy can better promote the employment of the low skilled migrant workers. The mechanism analysis reveals that, on the one hand, the digital economy promotes the employment for migrant workers with insufficient social capital through the Internet and its own search methods. On the other hand, the digital economy promotes the employment of low skilled, middle-aged, and elderly migrant workers by increasing the demands for low skilled service industry positions in the region. Therefore, we need to accelerate digital transformation, promote the development of the digital economy, provide skills training, and optimize financial policies to enhance the inclusive employment for migrant workers.

Key words: digital economy, inclusive employment, migrant workers