Guest Workers Research Articles

Quality of Life and Healthcare Seeking Behavior among Internal Migrant Laborers in Coimbatore, India: A Community-based Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Quality of Life and Healthcare Seeking Behavior among Internal Migrant Laborers in Coimbatore, India: A Community-based Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on household food insecurity: evidence from the United Arab Emirates

PurposeThe objective of this study was to measure the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during May 2021 to June 2022, and to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food insecurity.Design/methodology/approachThis study measured the prevalence of household food insecurity in UAE during May 2021 to June 2022 by employing FAO’s Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security was evaluated by employing a truncated regression model, using survey data from 504 respondents.FindingsAbout 34% of the households were found to be food secure. About 22% of them experienced moderate or severe food insecurity (i.e. have eaten less than they thought should have) whereas almost none have experienced severe food insecurity during the sample period. The truncated model results show that households’ region of residence, livelihood source, education level, income and number of elderlies have a significant association with the probability of experiencing food insecurity. The pandemic-induced unemployment and disruptions in physical access to food positively associated with the probability of experiencing food insecurity.Social implicationsIt is critical to regularly monitor households’ food security status, and design strategies that explicitly consider the food security status of UAE’s significant expat population; most of whom are migrant manual labourers earning low wages, are less job-secured and have poorer access to health care.Originality/valueAlthough several studies assessed the impact of the pandemic on food security in different countries, there is a lack of studies assessing the impact of the pandemic on food security in the import-dependent Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, whose food security might be severely impacted due to the COVID-19-induced global food supply chain disruptions. Our application of the truncated regression model also contributes to the food security literature.

Leisure constraints and participant intention among Vietnamese migrant laborers in Taiwan: The role of leisure motivation and cross-cultural adaptation

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between leisure constraints and participation intention, as well as the mediating role of leisure motivation and the moderating role of cross-cultural adaptation. Three hundred and sixty-eight Vietnamese migrant laborers in Taiwan participated in the study. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results show that leisure constraints were negatively associated with leisure participation intention, although leisure motivation and cross-cultural adaptation were positively associated. Furthermore, leisure motivation mediated the relationship between leisure constraints and participation intention. Moreover, cross-cultural adaptation emerged as a moderator in the interactions between leisure constraints and participation intention, and leisure motivation and participation intention. This study demonstrates the significance of these results for theory, practice, and policy, emphasizing the necessity of addressing leisure constraints and encouraging leisure motivation and cross-cultural adaptation to increase migrant workers’ leisure participation.

Indirect Cost Burden as an Emerging Issue of Foreign Employment in Developing Nations

Background: The current migration patterns and shifts present significant challenges, including widespread human rights abuses, exploitation of migrant laborers, high indirect costs due to expensive travel, limited affordable credit options, scarce job opportunities for low-skilled workers, and inadequate domestic migration policies. This study aims to identify the additional financial burdens faced by Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries. Methodology: A qualitative research design was used, with purposive sampling to select participants who had migrated to Gulf countries. In-depth interviews with 55 migrant laborers were conducted to gather data on cost burdens and employment conditions. Findings: Results showed that the indirect cost burden increased significantly after 2015 due to extended processing periods and technical procedures. Respondents generally preferred regulations before 2015. Despite legal changes like the "Free Visa: Free Ticket" policy reducing direct expenses, intermediaries and other indirect costs have offset this reduction, increasing the financial burden on migrant workers. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into Nepal's foreign employment complexities, urging more research and measures for migrant worker well-being. Findings reveal intermediaries exploiting workers by altering passport photos or obtaining counterfeit birth certificates. Additionally, 2% of surveyed workers migrated as young returnees before age 18. These insights are essential to empower recruitment agencies and improve their practices, ensuring safer, prompt, and more productive labor migration. Novelty: This study uncovers the hidden financial burdens Nepalese migrant workers face in Gulf countries. It highlights the offsetting effect of intermediaries on legal reforms like the "Free Visa: Free Ticket" policy. It offers new insights into labor exploitation and emphasizes better regulation and worker protection.

A mutual aid group for pastoral care practitioners providing services to international migrant laborers

ABSTRACT In the days following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, a mutual aid group for pastoral care practitioners who serve international labor migrants (ILMs) was conducted virtually. This article describes the formation and proceedings of this brief mutual aid group for pastoral care practitioners. While describing the content that emerged during the three sessions, some important processes and dimensions of mutual aid groups are highlighted. Additionally, the article shares details about the valuable services rendered by pastoral care practitioners supporting ILMs, alongside the complexity, prolonged presence, and invisibility of ILMs in Israeli society at large. It argues that mutual aid groups are an effective intervention to support these professionals, who know firsthand the situation of ILMs and migrant communities and continued to care for them during the recent events and resulting war.

Advancing emigrants' rights in India: strategies of civil society in spaces for engagement

ABSTRACT This article explores Indian civil society's efforts to promote the rights of migrant Indian labourers working abroad in low-wage employment as a response to weakly institutionalized rights frameworks in the global and India's national governance of labour migration. Existing scholarship has explored civil societies' advocacy in multi-national fora, at regional levels, and as forms of transnationally organized networks, but only marginally at the analytical level of migrant-origin states. The article examines their multi-level and multi-stakeholder strategies through the analytical lens of spaces for engagement. Drawing on original qualitative data, this article shows that civil society organizations play a leading role in (e)migration governance in India and are key to understanding the politics of migration of the world’s largest migrant-origin state. In particular, the local and subnational levels are important entry points to advance their agendas in the context of migrant-origin states.

Analysis of the factors influencing local employment in the mining sector in the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional state of Ethiopia

This article aims to analyze the factors that determine local employment in the mining sector and identify ways to improve the annual income of employed households in the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State (BGR) of Ethiopia. The research design used for this study was cross-sectional. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 162 households affected by mining operations, using systematic random sampling. Additionally, four focus group discussions (FGD) and eight key informant interviews (KII) were conducted to gather qualitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Heckman two-stage model, while the qualitative data was analyzed using narrative analysis. The descriptive results indicate that most of the jobs created by the mining industries were temporary, and the small-scale mining sector employed more workers than the large-scale sector. Furthermore, migrant laborers benefited more from employment opportunities than indigenous households. The first result of the Heckman two-stage model reveals that the educational level of the household head, the size of the farmland, and membership in a farmer's organization have significant negative effects on local employment. On the other hand, the sex of the household head, the size of the nearest mining project, access to information, access to transport, and access to credit have significant positive effects on local employment. The second-stage results of the Heckman two-stage model show that the age of the household head, the dependency ratio, and membership in farmers' organizations have statistically significant negative effects on the annual income of employed households. Conversely, non-farm activities have statistically significant positive effects on the annual income of employed households. The findings of this study have implications for identifying the determinants and factors that need to be addressed to promote local employment. We suggest that both the Ethiopian and BGR regional governments should work towards increasing local employment opportunities for indigenous communities in the mining sector.

Almanya’da Yetişen İki Dilli Türk Kökenli Çocukların Türkçe Öğreniminde Karşılaştıkları Motivasyon Süreçleri

The Turks, who migrated to Europe as "guest workers" in the 1960s, have settled in Europe. The majority of Turks who migrated to Europe currently live in Germany. In order to strengthen the ties of Turkish students living in Germany with the Turkish language and Turkish culture, the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey initiated "Turkish Language and Turkish Culture" courses in schools located in Germany. Teachers from Turkey have been appointed to provide this education. The inability of children from Turkish immigrant families to fully learn both German and their mother tongue negatively affects their social lives as well as their academic success. Consequently, this leads to educational problems. The aim of this study is to evaluate the motivation processes faced by bilingual and Turkish-origin children living and receiving education in Germany during their Turkish language learning process. Keywords: language acquisition, listening, bilingualism, mother tongue, immigrant

Narratives of pride: Afghan migrant laborers in Iran

This article recounts the stories of Afghan migrants who have returned from Iran to Afghanistan. I frame these accounts of ordinary Afghans’ life experiences as “narratives of pride,” juxtaposing these stories with narratives of victimhood that dominate the immigration discourse on Afghanistan and more generally. In these narratives, migrants are predominantly characterized as victims in need of being saved. This article instead asks: why do returnees from Iran focus mostly on the positive parts of their mobility while downplaying the difficulties of dealing with the Iranian state, which does not have a good track record of dealing with migrants? In telling stories of years of living and working in Iran or other countries, I find that my interlocutors characterize themselves as sophisticated men of the world with a deep understanding of social and political phenomena that give them the ability to navigate life in foreign lands—an image far from victimhood as it is commonly portrayed in the literature and media. The article argues that in order to better understand the agency of migrants, it is crucial to form long-term connections with them to gain a more nuanced understanding of their experiences, rather than simply reproducing stories of victimhood.

The timing and mode of southern Andean human migrations

Abstract While recent genomic and isotopic information show that migration has been pervasive along human history, southern Andean archaeology has largely overlooked its importance in shaping human trajectories of sociocultural change. Building on previous isotopic research that identified the presence of migrant farmers in the Uspallata Valley (Mendoza, Argentina), we present chronological and bioarchaeological results that help to characterize the timing and mode of human migrations in the southern Andes. The burials with migrants show the representation of the different age classes, including a high abundance of children, as well as both men and women, suggesting that family groups were likely involved. The Bayesian modeling of 16 direct dates for migrants indicates that these migrations started between 1210–1275 CE (median 1255 CE) and finished at 1320–1425 CE (median 1360 CE), indicating that there is nearly no overlap between the commencement of this migration phase and the southwards expansion of the Inka Empire. The model defines a diachronic process that lasted between 55 and 195 years, implying that migration to Uspallata was a multi-generational process that involved between two and eight generations (median of four generations). Our contextual, bioarchaeological and chronological evidence indicates that the conditions fostering migration to Uspallata were sustained through time, inviting to explore persisting push-pull dynamics acting during this period. 87Sr/86Sr results show that migration occurred across the daily territories of these groups and may have involved movement across social or ethnic frontiers.

Farmers' Insights on the Migration from Rural to Urban Areas in Bangladesh

This research uses a qualitative methodology to investigate the complex dynamics of rural-urban migration among Bangladeshi farmers via in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The main objectives are to determine the main causes of migration, comprehend the difficulties farmers have when migrating, and evaluate the effects of migration on their communities and means of subsistence. According to the research, three main factors influence migration: social goals, environmental concerns, and economic incentives. Numerous obstacles, such as unstable work, skill gaps, excessive living expenses, and subpar housing, negatively impact the well-being of migrant farmers. Notwithstanding these obstacles, migration offers chances for greater access to services, skill development, and economic progress. The results underline the need for all-encompassing policy interventions, stressing the significance of job assistance, training programs, and sustainable rural development projects to help migrant farmers. To improve the resilience and well-being of migrant farmers and their communities, this study offers policymakers practical suggestions for creating more inclusive and prosperous migration policies.

Away from home, into the fields: Assessing the health of undocumented and indigenous farmworkers

A large and growing literature argues that the agricultural labor market is stratified by ethnicity and legal status. However, other markers of distinction, such as indigeneity, may overlap with legal status to reveal additional health inequalities. Our study contributes to this scholarly dialogue by assessing the relation between indigeneity, legality, and health among immigrant-origin farmworkers from Latin America. To this end, we use data from the National Agricultural Worker Survey (N = 21,092) to examine health outcomes among indigenous and non-indigenous immigrants. Results indicate that indigenous farmworkers experience higher rates of pain—but not chronic conditions—than their non-indigenous counterparts. While undocumented farmworkers who are not indigenous exhibit especially favorable health, indigenous workers who are documented are significantly more likely to suffer from pain. Finally, there is limited evidence that differences in insurance coverage can fully explain the patterning between legal status, indigeneity, and health. This project sheds light on the well-being of indigenous migrant laborers in the U.S. food system, a population that experiences pervasive barriers to socioeconomic advancement at home and abroad.

Constraints perceived by migrant labours working in trawl fishing sector: A study from Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra

Constraints perceived by migrant labours working in trawl fishing sector: A study from Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra

Constraints analysis of migrant labourers at workplace in the purse seine fishing sector of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Constraints analysis of migrant labourers at workplace in the purse seine fishing sector of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Indonesian Students' Mental Health in Taiwan: A Comparison of School-Age Students' and Indonesian Migrant Workers' Mental Health

Spirituality and empathy significantly impact many Indonesian migrant laborers in Taiwan are experiencing mental health issues, highlighting the importance of focusing on this aspect. Non-formal education provides both migrant workers and Indonesian children in Taiwan with suitable educational opportunities. Indonesian students studying in Taiwan: their mental health is analyzed and compared in this research. The study differentiates between students of school age and adult migrant workers studying in Taiwan. Utilizing a case study approach, the research involved seven student participants. The findings indicate that school-age students exhibit good mental health. Conversely, Indonesian migrant workers who are students face numerous challenges in non-formal education. They experience higher levels of stress, struggle to adhere to the learning schedule, frequently miss classes, and consequently, do not achieve optimal learning outcomes. The study also identified some students with autism who receive a specialized curriculum to ensure equal educational opportunities (Selvaprabu et al., 2024). These autistic students appear more disciplined and achieve their learning objectives, although at a slower pace. The research suggests implementing counseling strategies to motivate Indonesian migrant workers to pursue education and achieve equal learning opportunities. Additionally, there is a need for Taiwanese students to have access to their autonomous curriculum

The process of neolithization and consequent changes in the region of Istanbul

During the last few decades, our knowledge of processes leading to the establishment of food-producing communities in regions peripheral or exterior to that of the core areas of primary neolithization has increased considerably, making it possible to better understand the interaction of migrant farmers with local indigenous communities and how they adapted to environmental conditions that were much different from the places they came from. The paper will limit its focus to discussing the process of neolithization in the region around Istanbul, where the emigrant farmers merged with the Mesolithic community of the Ağaçlɩ culture and developed a new socio-economic model forming the Fikirtepe culture.

“Karmik”- A Tool to Bridge Client and Migrant Construction Labors Amid Pandemic.

Abstract Migrant labors migrate to Udupi for socio-economic reasons. Many of them can’t get job according to their skills due to lack of information about requirements in construction field. This will keep them unemployed. In other word client also face same problem, they can’t find labors according to their requirements. To bridge this gap and to develop better connection between client and labor we need a platform. Our idea is to develop a mobile application which includes data of construction labor such as his/her name, skills, and phone number. By surveying, collecting labor data and later by compiling it as a database we build a mobile application which will directly affect in improvement of construction labor status in and around Udupi region. Survey-based data in the selection process. Data collected at these hotspots would be categorized into geographical coverage, age, experience, and type of work. These statistics arrived from the raw data collected verbally from labors across these hotspots will be compiled and analysed to give us current availability of labors.

Asymptomatic malaria and predictors among migrant farmworkers East Shewa zone Oromia Ethiopia

Asymptomatic malaria can impact existing malaria control and elimination efforts around the world, particularly in Africa, where the majority of malaria cases and death occurs. This is a cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria among migrant farmworkers from June to July 2020 in the Upper Awash Agro-industry, East Shewa zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 254 migrant farmworkers without signs and symptoms of malaria were enrolled. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and malaria prevention practices were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were collected and diagnosed using microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version-21 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associated factors. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among farmworkers in this study was 5.1% [95% CI 1.6, 6.7]. The proportions of Plasmodium falciparum was 90.0% (9/10) while it was 10.0% (1/10) for Plasmodium vivax. Out of the microscopy and/or RDT-confirmed malaria cases, (n = 9; 100%) were confirmed to be P. falciparum by nested PCR, while (n = 3/122; 2.46%) were found to be P. falciparum among 50% negative cases with the microscopy and/or RDT. The gametocyte stage was detected in 40% of microscopically positive cases out of which 44.4% belongs to P. falciparum. Home area/origin of migrant laborers [AOR = 6.08, (95% CI 1.08, 34.66)], family history of malaria [AOR = 8.15, (95% CI 1.43, 46.44)], and outdoor sleeping [AOR = 10.14, (95% CI 1.15, 89.14)] were significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria. In conclusion, asymptomatic malaria was detected among farmworkers in the study area and it was significantly associated with outdoor sleeping, home area, and family history of malaria. Prevention tools and control strategies, particularly focusing on migrant farmworkers, should be considered to support the ongoing malaria control and elimination effort in Ethiopia.

“I wanted to show the faces of these migrant workers, their struggles to breathe, and their undignified deaths”: In conversation with Puja Changoiwala

ABSTRACT Journalist and author Puja Changoiwala has been critically acclaimed for her passionate writings on crime and social issues across India, such as gender discrimination and poverty. Her debut novel, Homebound (2021), details the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian society, which saw the largest exodus of people since Partition, the majority of whom were from India’s poorest regions. In the book, Changoiwala tells the stories of Indian migrant labourers, showing how years of exploitation converged in a single moment of humanitarian crisis and homelessness. In this interview, Changoiwala talks about her experience as a journalist and an author in unveiling the atrocious realities of migrant life in front of a largely complacent nation and world. The discussion highlights Changoiwala’s reflections upon the conveniently neglected history of oppression that has contributed to the silencing of these marginalized populations, and her call for an awareness of such discrimination through her fiction.

From South Africa to the World: The Political and Legal Legacies of Chinese Indenture in the Transvaal

ABSTRACT This article examines the term ‘new slavery’, short for ‘a new form of slavery’, as used by Liberal British Parliament members and white South African trade unionists in opposition to the recruitment of Chinese indentured labourers to work in the Transvaal gold mines. The recruitment of Chinese indentured labourers emerged following the South Africa War (1899-1902) in response to African ‘native’ labourers’ refusal to return to the mines. This article explores how the Transvaal’s distinct indentured labour system, characterized by coercive features akin to those in the Indian indentured labour system, and further defined by mandatory repatriation, fines for assisting labourers in contract violation and the establishment of a Chinese consulate for fair treatment, set a precedent for global labour programmes. These specific conditions of the Transvaal system influenced the development of subsequent labour initiatives, particularly the Chinese Labour Corps during World War I. The article provides an overview of the overlaps between these programmes and highlights the enduring impact of the Transvaal system on the evolution of global labour practices including modern guest worker programmes.