Abstract
Female labour migration from the global south to the Middle East has increased in recent times. The rights and health of these women are often severely affected during and post migration. The aim of this study was to provide a clearer understanding of the process and context of female labour migration from Nepal. This included reasons for female labour migration, the risks, benefits, health impacts and measures to better support and protect women before, during and post migration.Data in this paper is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with ten key stakeholders (staff working with support organisations, policy-makers and researchers in the field) all with a professional interest in female labour migration from Nepal.It was found that government restrictions on female labour migrants working in the domestic sector increased undocumented migration through India, increasing the risk of trafficking and exploitation. Despite these risks, migration is attractive to many Nepalese women as it offers an opportunity to improve livelihood for them and their family. In addition, it can provide a ‘window to empowerment’. The study concludes that restricted migration, implemented in the name of protection, has undermined the rights, security and health of many Nepalese women.
Highlights
Themes Four themes were identified in our qualitative analysis: (1) Culture of Migration; (2) Exploitation & Trafficking; (3) Health Impact; (4) Rights versus Protection
Domestic work is the only skill she can sell in the market (P1)
Nepalese female labour migrants are vulnerable since the Government ban on domestic work and in middle eastern countries where demand for unskilled labour remains high
Summary
International migration has significantly increased in Nepal.[1]. Between 2008 and 2017, government authorities issued approximately 3.5 million permits to travel overseas for work, predominantly to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia.[2]. Male workers dominate migrant labour, there are increasing numbers of women working outside of Nepal, especially in the low skilled sector.[3]. Increasing financial contributions to the economy and family are important, these financial contributions bring risks to the life, health and wellbeing of female migrant workers and their families.[4,5]. Unofficial or undocumented migration refers to workers travelling to destination countries unofficially via ‘the open’ Indian border. The increase in the irregular route is the direct consequence of the 2017 Government of Nepal ban on women seeking domestic work in the Middle East.[3]. The ban, as with previous restrictions on female labour migrants, is viewed as a protective measure and a response to human rights violations in destination countries, in the Middle East.[9]. The ban restricts women in their opportunities to migrate for work and, whilst some would argue it has been done in good faith, it is gendered and patriarchal[1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
