This is a very interesting topic for much of the discussion around migration deals with the host countries labor conditions and lack of protections (which are incredibly important topics). Yet, information looking at the challenges faced by returning migrant workers is not readily available. I believe that one of the biggest challenges to successful reintegration is job acquisition and retention, since that is what drives most migrants out of their home countries in the first place. Greater economic protections for countries like the Philippines would help in both the retention of its own citizens and also allow for the return of those abroad.

The outcome document does a great job in addressing the many stages of migration and reintegration procedures by connecting the responsibilities of all of the stakeholders, which include civil society and public/private institutions. 

An excerpt from the Outcome Document agreed at the regional workshop on Effective Social and Economic Reintegration of Women Migrant Workers, held from 19 to 21 August 2014, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The full Outcome Document can be downloaded here.

A synthesis of this workshop’s deliberations resulted in the following conclusions and recommendations:

1. Essential conditions in countries of origin to facilitate return and reintegration of migrant workers should include:

1. Development of legislation, policies and programs on return migration for men and women migrant workers, and establishment of a national machinery for the promotion and management of return and reintegration services. 
2. Active involvement of CSOs, NGOs, Trade Unions, employers’ organizations, private sector and return women and men migrant workers’ associations and other stakeholders in the formulation of reintegration policies and programs.
3. Commitment to ensure that reintegration services are gender-responsive and that they are informed by an understanding of the specific circumstances under which women and men migrate and return.
4. Pursuit of further studies on remittance and savings patterns and behavior of women migrant workers and linking the remittances to reintegration programmes for women and men migrant workers for their empowerment and local development.
5. Undertaking a mapping of migration stakeholders and develop partnerships to encourage their sustained engagement in reintegration policy and program development.
6. Provision of advice, training and skills assessment prior to departure and support provision and skills assessment for returning workers, to ensure successful reintegration with maximized use of new skills.
7. Ensure commitment from all stakeholders to reduce and reverse effects of stigma towards WMWs.

2. Pre-Departure Support:

1. Preparations for return and reintegration of women and men migrant workers should        commence pre-departure for overseas work. Pre-departure orientation should inform        participating workers and their spouses/partners and families of opportunities for social and economic reintegration and should include:
   • Information on opportunities and access to skills recognition through formal certification.
   • Access to information on employment prospects within the country.
   • Information on access to credit for housing, self-employment and others including savings and investment advice.

3. On-site support:

1. Countries of origin and countries of destination should strengthen the role of their foreign missions, including appointment of labour attachés, to work in consultation/collaboration with migrant and diaspora communities, civil society and Trade Unions to develop and implement services and programmes on-site to support women and men migrant workers towards their return and reintegration. Programmes should include:
   • Information on opportunities and access to skills upgrading and recognition through formal certification.
   • Access to information on employment prospects within the country.
   • Information on access to credit for housing, self-employment and others savings and investment advice.
   • Assistance to cope with social concerns, such as long term separation from family and community and with managing expectations for social and economic development post-return.
   • Provision of multilingual information and materials, including seminars/workshops both post-arrival and pre-return, on preparations for livelihood/business strategy development and financial literacy.
   • Where possible, develop a migrant workers database to list the workers’ acquired skills in compliance with competency assessment system while in the country of destination (language, technology, work flow processes, work discipline), in preparation for local or further overseas employment upon return.
   • Participation of employers, recruitment agencies, and related-financial institutions, including Money Transfer Organizations, to support migrants’ effective return, potentially through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

2.Establishment of programmes and services for migrants’ families in countries of origin, addressing education and health concerns of children left behind, to mitigate social costs of migration.  

3. Set-up of emergency relief fund to include:

• Provision of emergency financial support to provide emergency counselling and access to justice in cases of abuse, and to repatriate migrant workers in emergency situations.
  • Full terms of the fund and its uses, such as defining circumstances for repatriation/financial support and the context, such as in case of abuse, exploitation, accident or death, to be defined.

4. Return of workers to the country of origin should include:

1. Competency assessment and certification by recognized skills institutions,  boards or a technical vocational government agency of the country of origin and country of destination, and a valid certified system to reflect the skills improvement of workers during their employment term, as well as support for acquisition of better jobs upon return.
2. Enhancement of local employment services to support the economic return and reintegration of returning workers, to include facilitating job matching with local employment services.
3. Development and maintenance of a registration system and database for returning workers (to include assisted and unassisted return), with mediation support between migrant worker and relevant government agencies and entities.
4. Business development and livelihood program assistance for workers and family members, including business start-up counseling and linking with private and government low cost credit facilities, including government guarantee funds to financial institutions to lower the borrowing cost for business capital and offset the need for collateral.
5. Development of capacities of government offices, local community and its leaders, financial intermediaries and NGOs to create a network of support to the returning women and men workers.
6. Development of a database to document women and men migrants’ overseas employment, return, skill development and any formal skills recognition awards/certifications.

 

5. Good practices in return and reintegration policies and programs to support the social and economic reintegration of women workers:

NOTE: This section incorporates good practices identified during Session 5: Group Work Discussions.

 

1. Development of skills training and certification methods, including provision of advanced foreign language lessons.
2. Provision of social and economic counselling for reintegration, referring to best practices of successful trade unions/civil society/migrant workers’ groups, such as Pourakhi.
   • Provision of emergency support on site such as safe houses and emergency financial aid
3. Development of financial literacy for returnee women migrant workers, pre, during and post overseas employment, including modules on savings and investments and entrepreneurialism.

• Establishment of partnerships with national banks and private sector lenders to provide soft loans without collateral.
  • Provision of personal savings opportunities for women migrants, separate to family/spouse savings accounts.
  • Provision of housing loans upon return.

4. Development of social insurance schemes in partnership with multiple stake holders. Development and provision of advice for employment advancement and access to cooperatives and link to markets.

 

Lessons from returning women migrant workers by Jenna Holliday, UN Women Cambodia Office

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/analysis-and-op-ed/lessons-returning-women-migrant-workers

 

A few days ago I wrote a letter to the Los Angeles Times asking lawmakers and community to take action & spread the word on Immigration reform presented by President Barack Obama. 

The inequality of opportunity from salary, unpaid work and exploitation are more pronounced in women migrant workers. The right policies give visibility and existence a very real situation where we have to unite. 

I believe in engaging with media available in the information society, we are global citizens without limits without borders to improve our lives.

Emigration is a feedback not a one way road.

Women migrant workers in the Philippines face similar challenges as those already mentioned below. I noted some research I found on migrant reintegration in the Philippines, which I would like to share: 

 

Question 1: What are the economic challenges faced by women return migrants? 

• During their re-entry period, they have difficulty sustaining their families basic needs due to lack of financial means.
• They experience difficulties in social reintegration because of the long separation from family and community.
• Low savings 
• Husbands of migrant women are unable to manage the household
• Estranged relations with their children
• Lack of economic opportunities (Note: This was noted based on a paper written in 2003, I think that currently, economic opportuties/options are growing for people in the Philippines)

Question 2: What can be done to address these challenges? What support do they need?

• Community-based assistance
• The need for psychosocial and economic support programs
• Support in the form of counseling and therapy (for family issues)
• Services for livelihood /development/organizing program, and placement assistance
• Financing, technical assistance in project planning
• Training (ex. leadership training, organizational planning, etc.)
• Support to help find income generating activities
• Entrepreneurship development
• Investment options 
• Skills, knowledge, and attitude training and development

Question 3: What are good practices for the reintegration of women migrants in the economy?

• Holistic and integrated approaches - programs that facilitate and develop opportunities for returnees, prevent haphazard and limited response
• Coordination and cooperation between concerned agencies
• Gender sensitive approaches
• Migrant returnees have varying needs, programs need to be suitable and adequate to ensure appropriate interventions

To Read More:

• Tornea, V. (n.d.) REintegration program for migrant workers. [Retrieved from: http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/rws/article/viewFile/2936/2709]
• Dizon-Anonuevo, E. & Anonuevo, A.T. (2003). Women, migration, and reintegration. Transactions National Acedemy of Science and Technology in the Philippines 25 (2): 467-481. [Retrieved from: http://www.nast.ph/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=725&tmpl=component&format=raw&Itemid=7]

1. The rate of migration has been increasing very rapidly, due to lack of proper job opportunities due to which the individuals (youths , men & women) are compelled to be migrant workers. The money earned through  their hard work is spend on repaying there loans, children's school fees, buying gifts to relatives on there way back to home; they do not have proper knowledge and idea about how and what can be done buy those money; lack of proper investment ideas;  and sometimes relatives misuse - borrow their money. Therefore, these are some of the major challenges faced by women migrant workers.

2. Respective authority holders or institutions should find  safe countries for the women migrant workers . Banks should also provide loans, to over come their economic challenges, skill training and awareness level between the difference of business and life hood. As business needs many skill  training,  ideas, beside that it holds lots of challenges in running it so migrant women should have proper knowledge in it. where as, in life hood it can be  done by doing small works. Regular lobbying and advocacy needs to be increased. 

3. I have been working as trainer in legal awareness on safe migration as paralegal officer in POURAKHI - NEPAL since 2009, that was after participating different programs initiated by UN Women programs.  As I said above, proper amendments of laws , advocacy, lobbying, individuals should be aware and that shall help in reintegration of women migrants in the economy.

1. The rate of migration has been increasing very rapidly, due to lack of proper job opportunities due to which the individuals (youths , men & women) are compelled to be migrant workers. The money earned through  their hard work is spend on repaying there loans, children's school fees, buying gifts to relatives on there way back to home; they do not have proper knowledge and idea about how and what can be done buy those money; lack of proper investment ideas;  and sometimes relatives misuse - borrow their money. Therefore, these are some of the major challenges faced by women migrant workers.

2. Respective authority holders or institutions should find  safe countries for the women migrant workers . Banks should also provide loans, to over come their economic challenges, skill training and awareness level between the difference of business and life hood. As business needs many skill  training,  ideas, beside that it holds lots of challenges in running it so migrant women should have proper knowledge in it. where as, in life hood it can be  done by doing small works. Regular lobbying and advocacy needs to be increased. 

3. I have been working as trainer in legal awareness on safe migration as paralegal officer in POURAKHI - NEPAL since 2009, that was after participating different programs initiated by UN Women programs.  As I said above, proper amendments of laws , advocacy, lobbying, individuals should be aware and that shall help in reintegration of women migrants in the economy.

 

Mujeres migrantes America Latina/ Argentina

En mi país estamos abiertos a la Inmigración sin distinción desde que se promulgó nuestra constitución.

Una de las características de Latinoamerica es que los jóvenes migran por uno o dos años en búsqueda de desarrollo y mejores oportunidades.
Ofrezco alojamiento para jóvenes universitarios y escucho muchas historias de jóvenes mujeres que luchan por salir adelante y huir de sus violentos países.

El ticket de escape para ellas y sus familias es la Educación. Muchas vienen a estudiar una carrera (que aquí es gratis), otras a mejorar su titulación con un posgrado y a  trabajar.
Las hay de todas nacionalidades y las que mas se esfuerzan son las bolivianas con estudios en medicina; las colombianas con intereses y profesiones variadas arte, cine, finanzas, medicina, comunicación y las venezolanas. Todas quieren mejorar y se quejan que por tiempo tienen que trabajar sin seguro social a pesar que los trámites migratorios son muy fáciles
.
 Las crisis de Venezuela y las guerrillas colombianas han hecho que sus jóvenes se fuguen despavoridos.
Hay abusos para el inmigrante pero son menores que para la gente local que está en la pobreza, Argentina es un buen país para emigrar para jóvenes universitarios.

En cambio la desigualdad juega duro con mujeres migrantes en situaciones de pobreza y falta de educación. La trata de personas para  explotación sexual y drogas es muy alta; las mayoría de las víctimas son mujeres con vidas y situaciones caóticas y vulnerables.

*******************************************************************************************************

Migrant women Latin America / Argentina 

In my country we are open to Immigration without distinction since our constitution was promulgated. 

One feature Latin America is that young people migrate for one or two years in search of better opportunities and development. 
I am dedicated to providing housing for college students and hear many stories of young women struggling to get ahead and flee their violent countries. 

The exhaust ticket for themselves and their families is education. Many come to study free career, another to improve their qualifications with post-graduate and to work. 
They are all nationalities and strive to more are Bolivian studies in medicine; Colombian with   varied interests and occupations art, film, finance, medicine, communication and from Chile, Paraguay, Perú, Brasil y Venezuela.

All want to improve and complain that they have time to work without social security even though immigration procedures are very easy 
The crisis in Venezuela and the Colombian guerrillas have made their young runaways terrfied. 
The immigrant abuses are lower than for the local people who are in poverty, Argentina is a good country to migrate for university students. 

Instead inequality plays hard to issues of migrant women in situations of poverty and lack of education. Human trafficking for sexual exploitation and drugs is very high; the majority of victims are women with chaotic lives and vulnerable situations.

En el Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (InMujeres) encontré el concurso "Mujer migrante, cuéntame tu historia" enfocado en la concientización de las condiciones y experiencias de la mujer que emigra.
La situación vulnerable de ser mujer la cuentan mujeres mexicanas que emigraron empujadas por una mala condición económica y finalmente cosecharon la estabilidad.
Y mujeres extranjeras que llegaron a México por estudios y amor y también fueron abofeteadas por ser diferentes.

http://www.inmujeres.gob.mx/index.php/49-notas-destacadas/1013-concurso-mujer-migrante

Estoy moviéndome a México,  para trabajar y empoderar mujeres mayas e indígenas en negocio social y educativo; muchos miedos y dudas pasan sobre mi instalación. En muy poco tiempo seré una Mujer Migrante de negocios y quiero hacer de eso una “experiencia segura”.

Muchas mujeres se mudan sin la información sobre como afrontar los problemas por miedo a ser deportadas. La migración de mujeres no puede ser una supervivencia continúa.

Ante situaciones difíciles en países extraños es importante saber que también se puede contactar a nuestra embajada local para que acompañe en una crisis. 
Muchas mujeres son explotadas, vulnerables y alejadas de sus familias en los negocios bajos de la prostitución y trabajando en empleos insalubres sin tener los derechos y la protección  adecuada, un contacto serio y seguro es siempre recomendable.

Me ha sido de gran ayuda el Manual de Entrenamiento "Género en Marcha" publicado por UN Women y disponible en nuestra biblioteca

https://www.unwomen.org/es/digital-library/publications/2013/12/gender-on-the-move

In the National Institute for Women (InMujeres) found the "migrant woman, tell me your story" competition in awareness of the conditions and experiences of women who migrate. 
The vulnerable situation of be a woman was given by mexican women who migrated pushed poor economic condition and finally obtained stability. 
And foreign women who came to Mexico for study and love and were also slapped being different.  

http://www.inmujeres.gob.mx/index.php/49-notes-destacadas/1013-competition-woman-migrant 

I'm moving to Mexico, to work and empower mayan mexivan woman in a social business; many fears and doubts go on my installation. Very shortly I'll be a Migrant Women in Business and want to make it a "safe experience." 

Many women move without information on how to deal with the problems for fear to be deported. The migration of women can't be a survival continues.

Faced with difficult situations in foreign countries is important to know that you can also contact Local Embassy to accompany a crisis. 
Many women are exploited, vulnerable and far from their families in dark business like prostitution and working in unhealthy jobs without rights and adequate protection. A safe and serious contact is always recommended. 

Has been a great help Training Manual "Gender on The Move" published by UN Women and available in our library 

https://www.empowerwomen.org/~/documents/2013/12/17/18/28/gender-on-the-move--working-on-the-migration-development-nexus-from-a-gender-perspective

I don't have so much experience in migrant workers but i met some of them for family requirements. In Italy there is a high number of presences of migrant workers and they come from various countries and many of them work in families as housekeepers or they take care of senior citizens. They especially come from Eastern Europe but also from some Asian Country like Philippines. Those workers in many case worked without legislative and economic protection but, slowly, through their battles and with the help of the trade unions and the Italian government they have achieved social and economic rights so much so that nowadays, they enjoy the equal protection of Italian workers, and there are, in almost every province, offices that give them training and information about their rights and responsibilities as workers and as citizens migrants.
Instead, the same has not happened for many workers from Africa whom work in the south of the country in the field of agriculture. They are underpaid and often they arrive without documents and they sleep in makeshift shelters.
The same has not happened instead for many workers from Africa whom work in the south of my country in the field of agriculture. They are underpaid and they often arrive without documents and they sleep in makeshift shelters. 
Despite everybody know that, the situation from years continues to be the same and the flow of migrants from Africa does not stop sometimes with tragic endings in the death of many people still at sea before arriving in Italy. 
The Italian government is left alone to deal with the immigration crisis and governments of Europe do not want to take responsibility nor offer help to resolve the situation which remains very serious.
Many people arrive in Italy also from Asia, Chinese people in particular have many shops, restaurants and commercial activities. In the area of Prato, near Florence, the textile industry is thriving and all production is in the hands of Chinese immigrants that are here from two generations.
Here below a link regarding Asian immigration in Italy:
http://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/Attualita/News/Pagine/Asiatici---Idos.aspx
The social and economic reality, now global, causes workers to move and many times to bring the experiences and the wealth acquired in their origin countries.

I am not really a migrant worker but i thought i should share with you those videos

- Liu Yong, Migrant worker 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c1TwqoljIU

-Nepal's Women Migrant Workers ,, talking about the challenges a woman had to make by leaving her son .. and that her education supported her , also talking about other Nepal's women migrant workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXHDtWZDSa4 ​

- Here's a communications Workshop with Returnee Migrant Women in Bangladesh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCidmtzCG5c

​- And that's a video UN Women Philippines launched in 2012 exploring four facets of return and reintegration of women migrant workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXO_Pc8-AHg

- The Life of extremely poor migrant women worker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID-NTfA-S0c

​And those videos shows that sometimes they suffer from abusing  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKV5MJOEwuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmbXdtjI6bc ​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jhKfyG1oU8

Women suffer from abuse and other many challenges during their migrations . i think there should be more organizations that carry out workshop for migrants workers to let them know about their rights and how to deal with mistreatment , and of course education is the solution for a better job with low risks of abusing ,, etc 

I am not really a migrant worker but i thought i should share with you those videos

- Liu Yong, Migrant worker 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c1TwqoljIU

-Nepal's Women Migrant Workers ,, talking about the challenges a woman had to make by leaving her son .. and that her education supported her , also talking about other Nepal's women migrant workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXHDtWZDSa4

​- Here's a communications Workshop with Returnee Migrant Women in Bangladesh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCidmtzCG5c

​- And that's a video UN Women Philippines launched in 2012 exploring four facets of return and reintegration of women migrant workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXO_Pc8-AHg

- The Life of extremely poor migrant women worker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID-NTfA-S0c

​And those videos shows that sometimes they suffer from abusing 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKV5MJOEwuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmbXdtjI6bc

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jhKfyG1oU8

Women suffer from abuse and other many challenges during their migrants . i think there should be more organizations that sets workshop for migrant worker to let them know about their rights and how to deal with mistreatment , and of course education is the solution for a better job with low risks of abusing ,, etc 

I am not a migrant worker but i thought i should share those videos with you

- Liu Yong, Migrant worker 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c1TwqoljIU

-Nepal's Women Migrant Workers ,, talking about the challenges a woman had to make by leaving her son .. and that her education supported her , also talking about other Nepal's women migrant workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXHDtWZDSa4

​- Here's a communications Workshop with Returnee Migrant Women in Bangladesh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCidmtzCG5c

​- And that's a video UN Women Philippines launched in 2012 exploring four facets of return and reintegration of women migrant workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXO_Pc8-AHg

- The Life of extremely poor migrant women worker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID-NTfA-S0c

​And those videos shows that sometimes they suffer from abusing 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKV5MJOEwuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmbXdtjI6bc

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jhKfyG1oU8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm a Kenyan but back in 2011, I migrated into South Sudan in search of a better employment being that it was a new nation and there were allegedly so many opportunities. My experience there was worse than what I had ever imagined. Most immigrants are always ready to do whatever it takes to make them succeed but for women at times it is a challenge when you have the required qualifications but people still expect you to use the woman in you to get the job. I hope my contribution in line with my personal experience will be significant to this discussion.

1) In most cases, the countries to which individuals migrate to tend to have higher standards of living making life to be very expensive and at times forcing the especially women to indulge in immoral behaviors in order to survive.

I don't know how it is done in other countries but in South Sudan the simple visa/work permit has to be renewed after every month at a fee not so affordable to most of the immigrants employed in the informal sector, this meant that such young women had to find a way to make the immigration police let them stay without the documents.

Another challenge is the discriminatory employment policies that discriminate against immigrants. I remember back in S. Sudan, the rules suddenly changed and one could not get employed by any of the international organizations which were the major employers unless he or she is a citizen of S. Sudan leaving the immigrants with no option but to either put up their own businesses or get employed by the informal sector where there was so much exploitation. This led to many women getting into marriages of convenience so as to attain the citizenship and some even let themselves be exploited sexually for them to earn employment.

Another economic challenge was the exploitation of the business owners in that the rents for business premises were hiked for immigrants and could be raised at any moment without notice. The immigrant tenants were also expected to pay the land rates even though that should always be the responsibility of the landlady/ land lord.

The immigrants rarely had a right and in cases of dispute they automatically lost the case, this could have been as a result of the fact that there was no formal organization to defend the immigrants even though we later for an organization to represent us, it wasn't easy but it helped a bit in most of the cases.

I would also wish to add to what Siriporn has mentioned sending money home is a great challenge to most of the semi-illiterate immigrant women. To send money to Kenya, the main option  was through M-pesa ( Mobile Money Transfer) and the amount transferred always depended on the rates of the dollar, there was a lot of corruption in the exchange of money in the hands of these middle men but those who sent their money through the bank got a better exchange rate.

2)There is need for countries to come up with policies to protect the immigrants in order to have them comfortably contribute to the development of the countries they have moved into. It is also important that governments endeavor to protect their citizens to ensure that the immigration procedures are in place and are followed, their citizens are protected in the countries they migrate. There is also need that the governments define the terms of employment of their citizens in the countries they migrate into, this will reduce exploitations  a great deal.

There is also need to come up with organizations that are legally recognized by the governments to represent the immigrants in various regions they migrate into, such organizations will have the mandate to continuously check on the wellbeing of its members and raise an alarm in case there is a violation of the terms of employment.

3) Advocate for formal migration procedures to lower the chances of women finding themselves in the hands of exploiters.

Come up with policies to formalize wages and salaries of immigrants to avoid exploitation

Establish organizations to represent the the immigrants especially the women who are the most vulnerable.

Advocate for equal access to opportunities for both men and women without taking advantage of the women.

Immigration into countries that are far away like in the Middle East should not be left in the hands of corrupt agents but should be carried out by government agencies.

 

I'm a Kenyan but back in 2011, I migrated into South Sudan in search of a better employment being that it was a new nation and there were allegedly so many opportunities. My experience there was worse than what I had ever imagined. Most immigrants are always ready to do whatever it takes to make them succeed but for women at times it is a challenge when you have the required qualifications but people still expect you to use the woman in you to get the job. I hope my contribution in line with my personal experience will be significant to this discussion.

1) In most cases, the countries to which individuals migrate to tend to have higher standards of living making life to be very expensive and at times forcing the especially women to indulge in immoral behaviors in order to survive.

I don't know how it is done in other countries but in South Sudan the simple visa/work permit has to be renewed after every month at a fee not so affordable to most of the immigrants employed in the informal sector, this meant that such young women had to find a way to make the immigration police let them stay without the documents.

Another challenge is the discriminatory employment policies that discriminate against immigrants. I remember back in S. Sudan, the rules suddenly changed and one could not get employed by any of the international organizations which were the major employers unless he or she is a citizen of S. Sudan leaving the immigrants with no option but to either put up their own businesses or get employed by the informal sector where there was so much exploitation. This led to many women getting into marriages of convenience so as to attain the citizenship and some even let themselves be exploited sexually for them to earn employment.

Another economic challenge was the exploitation of the business owners in that the rents for business premises were hiked for immigrants and could be raised at any moment without notice. The immigrant tenants were also expected to pay the land rates even though that should always be the responsibility of the landlady/ land lord.

The immigrants rarely had a right and in cases of dispute they automatically lost the case, this could have been as a result of the fact that there was no formal organization to defend the immigrants even though we later for an organization to represent us, it wasn't easy but it helped a bit in most of the cases.

I would also wish to add to what Siriporn has mentioned sending money home is a great challenge to most of the semi-illiterate immigrant women. To send money to Kenya, the main option  was through M-pesa ( Mobile Money Transfer) and the amount transferred always depended on the rates of the dollar, there was a lot of corruption in the exchange of money in the hands of these middle men but those who sent their money through the bank got a better exchange rate.

2)There is need for countries to come up with policies to protect the immigrants in order to have them comfortably contribute to the development of the countries they have moved into. It is also important that governments endeavor to protect their citizens to ensure that the immigration procedures are in place and are followed, their citizens are protected in the countries they migrate. There is also need that the governments define the terms of employment of their citizens in the countries they migrate into, this will reduce exploitations  a great deal.

There is also need to come up with organizations that are legally recognized by the governments to represent the immigrants in various regions they migrate into, such organizations will have the mandate to continuously check on the wellbeing of its members and raise an alarm in case there is a violation of the terms of employment.

3) Advocate for formal migration procedures to lower the chances of women finding themselves in the hands of exploiters.

Come up with policies to formalize wages and salaries of immigrants to avoid exploitation

Establish organizations to represent the the immigrants especially the women who are the most vulnerable.

Advocate for equal access to opportunities for both men and women without taking advantage of the women.

Immigration into countries that are far away like in the Middle East should not be left in the hands of corrupt agents but should be carried out by government agencies.

 

(Continued)

• Domestic workers: The particular work situation of domestic workers worldwide can have a significant impact on their choice of money transfer system. The main issues being that they are seldom free during normal bank working hours and have limited mobility. In destination countries where the employer retains the migrant’s documents, as in the case of Malaysia, the employer transfers the worker’s remittances and the migrant has no control over the transfer of funds. In addition, despite the informal transfer system being more convenient, cheaper and accessible to women, when loans to finance the upfront costs of migration were released by recruitment agencies, the migrants were forced to transfer the money via the agency channels. There are no data available on domestic workers’ remittance transfers from GCC, but it is reasonable to maintain that similar constraints may occur, as employers often retain domestic workers’ documents and domestic workers are limited in their mobility and even in their ability to communicate by phone.
• WMWs’ concerns for remittance sending: Affordability is of paramount importance for WMWs, however many formal services require written forms or other documents in the country of destination and origin, constituting language and literacy barriers for senders and recipients. In the countries of origin, which tend to be less developed than countries of destination, bank services may not be available in rural areas. Additionally, the often strict moral code which many cultures impose upon women can restrict their access to formal remittance channels (if they do not possess the correct identity documents or have the permission of their employers to freely engage their affairs in public), often resulting in costly, informal channels as the only avenue for remittance transfer.
• Challenges: It became immediately apparent that there is a significant lack of research into the area of remittances. Methods: Western Union, Banks, informal channels
  • Lack of mapping of remittance sending methods: As a result of the lack of research into the method of remittance sending a challenge was presented for the successful analysis of formal remittance methods (banks/money transfers).
  • Lack of mapping on spending patterns: The lack of work that has mapped remittance investment presented difficulty measuring the impact of remittances on women’s economic empowerment.

Conclusions

• The Asia-Gulf States migration channel requires in depth examination.
• Within existing research there is a knowledge gap in sex-disaggregated data, leading to a lack of examination of the role of gender on remittances, and the role of remittances in women’s economic empowerment.
• There is a tendency to focus on the financial aspects of remittance transfers or to look at remittances as simply “resources to be tapped” (IFAD, 2013).
• There is a need to involve women migrants in research that explores at greater depth their constraints, motivations and experiences, in order to design services that can respond to their multiple needs, which may not necessarily be the same as those of the services providers.
• Leaving remittance transfer services to the exclusive control of market forces may lead to results that are deeply disadvantageous to WMWs interests, and may not support their economic empowerment.

Areas for Further Investigation

• How the decision to migrate is constructed by men and women;
• How the process of producing remittances, including travel arrangements, working and living conditions are experienced differently by men and women;
• How remittances flow, through which channels, at what financial values, at which rate of frequency, through which means of transfer and how the arrangements with remittance receivers in country of origin are organized based on gender differences;
• How remittances impact women’s economic empowerment;
• How remittances help construct or reinforce the case for labour migration and influence job choices or the decision to re-migrate for women and men. 

The inputs here are given on behalf of UN Women Regional Programme on Empowering Women Migrant Workers in Asia.

UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific has recently commissioned a report entitled ‘Strategic Analysis of Methodology of the Studies Reviewing Gender Differential Patterns and Use of Remittances’ to investigate how remittances have been researched in the past and aims to highlight best practices for gender-responsive remittances policies and propose recommendations for future research/policy initiatives. Please refer to the PowerPoint file here.

While not directly addressing the three questions which set the parameter of this discussion, it was hoped that the findings of this research would provide a better understanding of gender and remittances and contribute to policy recommendations on effective reintegration of WMWs in the economy. A lack of research into gender and remittances, the methods of remittances sending, patterns of spending (and the impact on women’s economic empowerment) has led to substantial knowledge deficit regarding best practices for women migrant workers. It was hoped that this research would address existing knowledge gaps, identifying areas for further research and inform policy recommendations to support WMWs. As the majority of Asia’s WMWs migrate to the Gulf region, the migration and remittance channel between Asia and the Gulf was the area of focus of this research.

Research findings comprise literature review and analysis of methodologies. Only the literature review will be discussed here, please see the presentation file for findings of the analysis of the methodologies.

• Remittances as rationale for migration: Studies that examined both men and women’s incentives for migration frequently revealed that remittances constitutes the main justification for migration. Hence, the patterns, amounts and frequency of remittances are related to the social constructions of gender, which are more complex and differentiated than a simple binary model based on migrants’ sex. Power balance, age, household structure and composition, socio-cultural norms, structural gender discrimination, just to mention the principal ones, are all factors that influence remittance sending behaviour of men and women.
• Factors influencing remittance sending channel: Affordability was of primary concern for the WMWs in of the studies examined. According to recent data (World Bank, 2013) the cost of sending remittances encompasses a number of components with transfer fees as the upfront cost usually paid by the sender and varying significantly among service providers. In some cases costs are also charged at the destination end.

• Remittance sending methods: Formal: Transfer costs constitute an important share of migrant earnings that is absorbed via a complex system of formal transfers. Among the formal remittance transfers available, transactions through postal accounts appear to have a certain popularity because of their more affordable fees, compared to banks and MTOs, and because of their availability and accessibility by recipients in the countries of origin (IFAD, 2013). Additionally, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are increasingly being seen as remittance sending channels with high potential to reduce transaction costs and for “banking the unbankable” (IFAD, 2013a). These services operate through accounts controlled by mobile phones at one or both ends of the corridor, normally with MTOs serving as intermediaries. The mobile money transfer does not require access to a bank account, and after its launch in Kenya a few years ago, is rapidly expanding all over the world. The industry is expected to reduce transfer costs considerably and increase the availability of banking services in rural areas (IFAD, 2013a). In Asia, the Philippines and Thailand are the most advanced in this sector. Informal: The estimated inflow of informal remittances in Asia is approximately 42 percent of total remittances, ranging from 16 percent in India to 55 percent in Nepal (Ozaki, 2012). Informal systems do not entail transfer and exchange costs and is as rapid as a phone call. Informal channels are often preferred by migrants for their more favorable fees (from 0.5 to 2 percent), their client friendly practices and their availability at both ends of the corridor (Buencamino, 2002). In addition, informal channels enable scarcely literate people, or people lacking ID or passports, to send and receive money by avoiding the complicated procedures of the formal methods (IOM, 2004). This is particularly relevant for migrants that end up in illegal situations due to expiration of their visa or work permit (Vargas-Lundius, 2008).
• Traditional informal systems, such as the hawala in Asia, are affordable and trusted remittance transfer channels (Buencamino, 2002). These systems are very ancient and rooted in local business cultures based on trust. The transfer of money by informal systems happens without any physical exchange. The two operators, the one receiving the money and the one delivering it, exchange fax or phone calls, or set up specific client codes. Despite being considered as a possible vehicle for criminal money transactions, it has not been possible to prove this in the most widespread informal system, the hawala/hundi (Buencamino, 2002). Apparently however, for women migrants in this corridor the contact with male agents is a source of concern in a context where the decision to leave and work overseas is already stigmatized and surrounded by an aura of immorality. In order to avoid such gossip and comments, women often opt for the more costly formal channels. These gender norms are less relevant in countries that have actively pursued women's outmigration, such as Indonesia (Rahman, 2008).
• Remittance sending patterns according to sex: As studies reveal that women tend to send lower amounts more regularly, it can be inferred that they bare disproportionate costs, as formal remittance sending schemes, such as through banks, often charge inversely (smaller amounts of money incur higher transfer costs).  (to be continued)

The inputs here are given on behalf of UN Women Regional Programme on Empowering Women Migrant Workers in Asia. UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific has recently commissioned a report entitled ‘Strategic Analysis of Methodology of the Studies Reviewing Gender Differential Patterns and Use of Remittances’ to investigate how remittances have been researched in the past and aims to highlight best practices for gender-responsive remittances policies and propose recommendations for future research/policy initiatives. Please refer to the PowerPoint file here. While not directly addressing the three questions which set the parameter of this discussion, it was hoped that the findings of this research would provide a better understanding of gender and remittances and contribute to policy recommendations on effective reintegration of WMWs in the economy. A lack of research into gender and remittances, the methods of remittances sending, patterns of spending (and the impact on women’s economic empowerment) has led to substantial knowledge deficit regarding best practices for women migrant workers. It was hoped that this research would address existing knowledge gaps, identifying areas for further research and inform policy recommendations to support WMWs. As the majority of Asia’s WMWs migrate to the Gulf region, the migration and remittance channel between Asia and the Gulf was the area of focus of this research. Research findings comprise literature review and analysis of methodologies. Only the literature review will be discussed here, please see the presentation file for findings of the analysis of the methodologies. • Remittances as rationale for migration: Studies that examined both men and women’s incentives for migration frequently revealed that remittances constitutes the main justification for migration. Hence, the patterns, amounts and frequency of remittances are related to the social constructions of gender, which are more complex and differentiated than a simple binary model based on migrants’ sex. Power balance, age, household structure and composition, socio-cultural norms, structural gender discrimination, just to mention the principal ones, are all factors that influence remittance sending behaviour of men and women. • Factors influencing remittance sending channel: Affordability was of primary concern for the WMWs in of the studies examined. According to recent data (World Bank, 2013) the cost of sending remittances encompasses a number of components with transfer fees as the upfront cost usually paid by the sender and varying significantly among service providers. In some cases costs are also charged at the destination end.  Remittance sending methods: Formal: Transfer costs constitute an important share of migrant earnings that is absorbed via a complex system of formal transfers. Among the formal remittance transfers available, transactions through postal accounts appear to have a certain popularity because of their more affordable fees, compared to banks and MTOs, and because of their availability and accessibility by recipients in the countries of origin (IFAD, 2013). Additionally, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are increasingly being seen as remittance sending channels with high potential to reduce transaction costs and for “banking the unbankable” (IFAD, 2013a). These services operate through accounts controlled by mobile phones at one or both ends of the corridor, normally with MTOs serving as intermediaries. The mobile money transfer does not require access to a bank account, and after its launch in Kenya a few years ago, is rapidly expanding all over the world. The industry is expected to reduce transfer costs considerably and increase the availability of banking services in rural areas (IFAD, 2013a). In Asia, the Philippines and Thailand are the most advanced in this sector. Informal: The estimated inflow of informal remittances in Asia is approximately 42 percent of total remittances, ranging from 16 percent in India to 55 percent in Nepal (Ozaki, 2012). Informal systems do not entail transfer and exchange costs and is as rapid as a phone call. Informal channels are often preferred by migrants for their more favorable fees (from 0.5 to 2 percent), their client friendly practices and their availability at both ends of the corridor (Buencamino, 2002). In addition, informal channels enable scarcely literate people, or people lacking ID or passports, to send and receive money by avoiding the complicated procedures of the formal methods (IOM, 2004). This is particularly relevant for migrants that end up in illegal situations due to expiration of their visa or work permit (Vargas-Lundius, 2008).  Traditional informal systems, such as the hawala in Asia, are affordable and trusted remittance transfer channels (Buencamino, 2002). These systems are very ancient and rooted in local business cultures based on trust. The transfer of money by informal systems happens without any physical exchange. The two operators, the one receiving the money and the one delivering it, exchange fax or phone calls, or set up specific client codes. Despite being considered as a possible vehicle for criminal money transactions, it has not been possible to prove this in the most widespread informal system, the hawala/hundi (Buencamino, 2002). Apparently however, for women migrants in this corridor the contact with male agents is a source of concern in a context where the decision to leave and work overseas is already stigmatized and surrounded by an aura of immorality. In order to avoid such gossip and comments, women often opt for the more costly formal channels. These gender norms are less relevant in countries that have actively pursued women's outmigration, such as Indonesia (Rahman, 2008).  Remittance sending patterns according to sex: As studies reveal that women tend to send lower amounts more regularly, it can be inferred that they bare disproportionate costs, as formal remittance sending schemes, such as through banks, often charge inversely (smaller amounts of money incur higher transfer costs). (to be continued)

Test

Having only researched about this topic, I value the experiences and submissions made before me as they provide great insight into the this area of women's issues. It was an area with which I had relatively little information and was not as aware of before reading this discussion. Evidently, it is a hugely important area and I will be looking into it more in the future.

Question 1: 

Mobile populations can contribute to economic development through their financial resources as well as their skills, entrepreneurial activities, and support for democratization and human rights however for women in developing countries, in many instances return to their home countries means encountering hardship and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Among the problems faced by women upon return, are unemployment, underemployment and instability. Providing for a family after having lost the income that was previously earned while working in the host country, or readjusting to a domestic role having to rely on the earnings of the husband can generate difficulties and insecurity.

Not only economic challenges are faced, but mental health issues and social vulnerabilities exist also. A common situation is where it is found that a woman has been trafficked and coerced into migrating. There is little retribution for the perpetrators as much evidence lies outside the home country. Cases such as these have been documented in countries such as Ethiopia, where there is a high level of female migration to the Middle East.

Question 2: 

In the case of Ethiopia, the Government has shown interest in working with international organisations to manage emigration from Ethiopia to the Middle East. Protection for women abroad can be established in the form of an employment agency based in the host country to standardize contracts, and provide protection to expatriates. By doing this, the returning migrant women will be less susceptible to illegal practices while abroad, and in turn return to their home country securely in terms of health and income. An example of an organisation like this is the Philippines Overseas Employment Agency.

Question 3: 

There should be more expansive programs for reintegration including support shelters, training opportunities and assistance to find stable employment. It is important that the presence of organisations such as Pourakhi in Nepal is felt. Volunteers should be available to provide information and provide hands on assistance to returning migrants in the airport and in the community. In Ethiopia, it has been suggested that donor agencies could provide assistance to already established organisations like the Agar Shelter.

In reference to other discussions on the Knowledge Gateway, the potential for women to be entrepreneurs is real and should be harnessed in the form of workshops and training in order to promote self-reflection and self-realization for these capable and fearless women returning to and living in developing countries.

From India a larger number (in millions) of nurses migrate for better opportunities abroad.  It is almost a tradition that girls from Kerala, mainly from Christian community, get trained for nursing and prefer to migrate permanently to USA, UK and Australia. A large number of nurses also migrate temporarily to Gulf countries. The reason for migration is primarily wage and employment. In Indian context nurses often migrate to improve the financial condition of their family. Unmarried migrant nurses intend to payback their parents who have invested in their education, earn a dowry that has to be given at the time of marriage and sometimes also to facilitate the migration of their spouse. For married migrant nurses it is for saving enough to construct a house in Kerala, for the higher education of their children and also to finance the business of their husband.

Motherhood and pregnancy are the major reason of their return. The contracts they enter into do not give them any maternity leave. They often leave their new born babies with parents or in-laws in Kerala, due to practical difficulties of caring for the children. The reunion with their children also motivates them to return. For those with family in Gulf the possibility of their children losing their cultural roots, not learning their native tongue Malyali and not even willing to return to their home country when they get older  is also a reason of their return.

 However, their return is not so rosy. The money they have earned gets lost in husband’s unsuccessful business or in unforeseen expenditure like accident/illness in family and sometimes in divorce settlement. In case of war they may have to forego their salaries for safe return to home. The large loans they have taken back home also causes financial hardship. An effective legislation which can protect migrant rights is required in this regard. The successful migrants on the other hand are also not happy.They find it difficult to adjust with social life. They find working condition tough back home primarily due to hot moist weather and withfew entertainment opportunities their quality of life is no longer same. They find society conservative and interfering. They feel their contribution to the financial progress of the family is not appreciated. They are uncomfortable in their family life as women have to play the traditional, subservient role of daughter-in law and have no role in redistribution and allocation of financial resources. Their empowerment is far from complete.

The very low access to employment, unfavorable environment to grow entrepreneurship and capital constraints are the reasons that provoke youths to migrate. As millions of Nepalese men are now working and earning wages overseas, for many families, women are left at home do all the farming. Yet, women's contributions to the agricultural sector go unrecognized. They lack an evidence-based knowledge about commercial farming and microcredits. The socio-cultural framework of the society restrict women's input in agriculture decisions. This  limits their access to land ownership, farm equipment and credit which are instrumental for women's economic empowerment. These barriers ultimately inhibit women's ability to produce, and can make it difficult for them to escape poverty or provide food for their families. 

It is integral to perform need assessments of women return migrants and reform land policy to provide long-term lease for agriculture purposes. We can utilize social media to connect, inform, advocate, and refer them to appropriate government/private organization. The government needs to Invest in sustainable short-term skills for employment project and ensure micro-credits for entrepreneurship. 

We have conceptualized multiple integrated and sustainable projects such as Young Women Farming Initiative (Y-FI), Young Women Farming Fellowship, Youth Farmers Group Nepal, Hello Mitini, Pesticides Free Vegetable Farming  to inform, advocate, empower, and refer female return migrants. Together, we have been investing in good practices for WEE.

Nepal has witnessed an increasing trend in youth migration in the last two to three decades. At present, more than 2,000 Nepalese seek government permits whereas 1,500 youth enter foreign job markets every day. Since 2000, more than 7,500 Nepalese working in Arab countries have died under suspicious circumstances. A majority of these women are raped, sexually assaulted, physically assaulted and have endured inhumane behaviors. Employers seize the passports and do not provide exit visas which forces Nepalese youth to work in dangerous conditions.

The very low access to employment, unfavorable environment to grow entrepreneurship and capital constraints are the reasons that provoke youths to migrate. The remittance contributes to 25 percent of GDP and has contributed significantly to reduce poverty from 41.8 percent to 25.2 percent just over a decade. But, it is essential to note that the remittance is not the long term solution.

As millions of Nepalese men are now working and earning wages overseas, for many families, women are left at home do all the farming. Yet, women's contributions to the agricultural sector go unrecognized. Furthermore, they lack an evidence-based knowledge about commercial farming and microcredits. The socio-cultural framework of the society restrict women's input in agriculture decisions. This in turn limit their access to land ownership, farm equipment and credit which are instrumental for women's economic empowerment. These barriers ultimately inhibit women's ability to produce, and can make it difficult for them to escape poverty or provide food for their families. 

It is integral to perform need assessments of women return migrants and reform land policy to provide long-term lease for agriculture purposes. We can utilize social media to connect, inform, advocate, and refer them to appropriate government/private organizations. The government needs to Invest in sustainable short-term skills for employment project and ensure micro-credits for entrepreneurship. 

We have been fostering partnership for good practiices to empower womnen. For instance, we launched Young Women Farming Initiative (Y-FI) and provide Fellowship to four women on commercial farming every month (http://www.tnwnepal.org/young_women.htm​). We manage a Facebook forum called "Youth Farmers Group Nepal" to inform, advocate, inspire, and refer young female migrants (https://www.facebook.com/groups/youthfarmers/​). "Hello Mitini" (Hello Women) is a campaign to collect old mobile phones and desktops to empower women return migrants through communication and innovation. We work with Nepal's First Farmers School to provide skills for employment, training, referral, advocacy, micro credits, and support for a holistic, integrated, and sustainable development of women and their families. The Government of Nepal has been implementing the Enhanced Vocational Education and Training (EVENT) project in alliance with the World Bank. It aims to empower 75,000 youth and is a great practice for WEE.

There is no tool for development more effective than WEE. Let's invest in women return migrants and help them emerge as key players of a sustainable economy. 

 

Background

Nepal has witnessed an increasing trend in youth migration in the last two to three decades. At present, more than 2,000 Nepalese seek government permits whereas 1,500 youth enter foreign job markets every day. Since 2000, more than 7,500 Nepalese working in Arab countries have died under suspicious circumstances. A majority of these women are raped, sexually assaulted, physically assaulted and have endured inhumane behaviors. Employers seize the passports and do not provide exit visas which forces Nepalese youth to work in dangerous conditions.

Challenges

The very low access to employment, unfavorable environment to grow entrepreneurship and capital constraints are the reasons that provoke youths to migrate. Even though 65.5 percent of Nepalese citizens are engaged in agriculture, the traditional inheritance of farming is no more charming to youths. The literates feel awkward to work in fields and migrate in search of service oriented employment. The remittance contributes to 25 percent of GDP and has contributed significantly to reduce poverty from 41.8 percent to 25.2 percent just over a decade. But, it is essential to note that the remittance is not the long term solution.

As millions of Nepalese men are now working and earning wages overseas, for many families, women are left at home do all the farming. Yet, women's contributions to the agricultural sector go unrecognized. Furthermore, they lack an evidence-based knowledge about commercial farming and microcredits. The socio-cultural framework of the society restrict women's input in agriculture decisions. This in turn limit their access to land ownership, farm equipment and credit which are instrumental for women's economic empowerment. These barriers ultimately inhibit women's ability to produce, and can make it difficult for them to escape poverty or provide food for their families. 

Recommendations 

1. Perform need assessments of women return migrants.

2. Reform land policy to provide long-term lease for agriculture purposes.

3. Utilize social media to connect, inform, advocate, and refer them to appropriate government/private organization.

4. Invest in sustainable short-term skills for employment project and ensure micro-credits for entrepreneurship. 

Some Good Practices 

1. Young Women Farming Initiative (Y-FI) is the result of lobbying for eight months with the national and local stakeholders to increase the participation of disadvantaged and marginalized women in agriculture. It provides "Young Women Farmer Fellowship" to four women on commercial farming every month. Furthermore, Y-FI utilizes social media such as Facebook and Twitter to explore, connect, discuss, and learn about agriculture. This aligns well with the mission of Knowledge Gateway (http://www.tnwnepal.org/young_women.htm​).

2. We manage a Facebook forum called "Youth Farmers Group Nepal". It consists of approximately 18,000 young farmers and has become a hub to promote the Knowledge Gateway portal. It is also a great forum to inspire young female migrant workers and graduates to explore the possibilities in agriculture in Nepal (https://www.facebook.com/groups/youthfarmers/​

3. The Team for Nature and Wildlife (TNW) in partnership with  National Farmers Forum Nepal and Nepal's First Farmers School have pledged to support Knowledge Gateway and together we will strive to empower young women for economic empowerment. We hope to provide skills for employment, training, referral, advocacy, micro credits, and support for a holistic, integrated, and sustainable development of women and their families. 

4. We also have a campaign known as "Hello Mitini" (Hello Women) which aims to collect old mobile phones and desktops to empower young women farmers through communication and innovation.

5. We  are conducting a pilot project for rural women and return migrants called "Pesticides Free Vegetable Village Campaign" for agriculture based community development. 

6. The Government of Nepal has been implementing the Enhanced Vocational Education and Training (EVENT) project in alliance with the World Bank. It aims to empower 75,000 youth.

There is no tool for development more effective than WEE. Let's invest in women return migrants and help them emerge as key plays of economy. 

Background

Nepal has witnessed an increasing trend in youth migration in the last two to three decades. At present, more than 2,000 Nepalese seek government permits whereas 1,500 youth enter foreign job markets every day. Since 2000, more than 7,500 Nepalese working in Arab countries have died under suspicious circumstances. A majority of these women are raped, sexually assaulted, physically assaulted and have endured inhumane behaviors. Employers seize the passports and do not provide exit visas which forces Nepalese youth to work in dangerous conditions.

The very low access to employment, unfavorable environment to grow entrepreneurship and capital constraints are the reasons that provoke youths to migrate. Even though 65.5 percent of Nepalese citizens are engaged in agriculture, the traditional inheritance of farming is no more charming to youths. The literates feel awkward to work in fields and migrate in search of service oriented employment. The remittance contributes to 25 percent of GDP and has contributed significantly to reduce poverty from 41.8 percent to 25.2 percent just over a decade. But, it is essential to note that the remittance is not the long term solution.

As millions of Nepalese men are now working and earning wages overseas, for many families, women are left at home do all the farming. Yet, women's contributions to the agricultural sector go unrecognized. Furthermore, they lack an evidence-based knowledge about commercial farming and microcredits. The socio-cultural framework of the society restrict women's input in agriculture decisions. This in turn limit their access to land ownership, farm equipment and credit which are instrumental for women's economic empowerment. These barriers ultimately inhibit women's ability to produce, and can make it difficult for them to escape poverty or provide food for their families.

1) The first and the foremost problem faced by these women are that they have already send all the hard earned money back home, which has been used to pay loans, used to recover children school fees and living and in some cases the family members misuse the money. So what has she been left with now? No proper planning of saving or investing the hard earned money. Some women also come empty handed. Another issue is that, sometimes the near dear ones or relatives tend to borrow some amount of money from these women and they don't pay back in time or in worst scenario they vanish with the capital. They also don't get the job with the salary equivalent to as what she was earning in abroad where as some don't even get any job as a result it leads to remigration. 

 

2) Well to eradicate the problem of managing the hard earned money, they should be given training on how to save the money, proper banking schemes, even if they lend the money to someone they should make sure that they have a contract. Establishing a finance or cooperative small scale bank specializing on remittance received from the migrant women workers giving them facilities like high interest for fixed deposit, loan in low interest rate, life and health insurance for them and their children. They should be encouraged to put forward their ideas of small scale business if they have any and if the idea proves to be fruitful then those Finance/ Cooperatives can help them start the business by funding them. In other words Entrepreneurship trainings. They should be given the privilege of free education and health services to their family. Some migrant returned women invest all the money in buying properties like land and houses where as they should be educated to not to use all the capital and save some for the future.

3) Good practices for the reintegration of the women migrants would be to expose them to the story of the women migrants who now have their own business, which can motivate them to do something on their own. They should not sit idle after they come back either they should start a business or work. Provide them with Entrepreneurship and Empowerment trainings. Not only should the NGO's and UNWOMEN but also the government should also focus on trainings like those and it should be done in interval of time because one training program is not enough.

1) The first and the foremost problem faced by these women are that they have already send all the hard earned money back home, which has been used to pay loans, used to recover children school fees and living and in some cases the family members misuse the money. So what has she been left with now? No proper planning of saving or investing the hard earned money. Some women also come empty handed. Another issue is that, sometimes the near dear ones or relatives tend to borrow some amount of money from these women and they don't pay back in time or in worst scenario they vanish with the capital. They also don't get the job with the salary equivalent to as what she was earning in abroad where as some don't even get any job as a result it leads to remigration. 

 

2) Well to eradicate the problem of managing the hard earned money, they should be given training on how to save the money, proper banking schemes, even if they lend the money to someone they should make sure that they have a contract. Establishing a finance or cooperative small scale bank specializing on remittance received from the migrant women workers giving them facilities like high interest for fixed deposit, loan in low interest rate, life and health insurance for them and their children. They should be encouraged to put forward their ideas of small scale business if they have any and if the idea proves to be fruitful then those Finance/ Cooperatives can help them start the business by funding them. In other words Entrepreneurship trainings. They should be given the privilege of free education and health services to their family. Some migrant returned women invest all the money in buying properties like land and houses where as they should be educated to not to use all the capital and save some for the future.

3) Good practices for the reintegration of the women migrants would be to expose them to the story of the women migrants who now have their own business, which can motivate them to do something on their own. They should not sit idle after they come back either they should start a business or work. Provide them with Entrepreneurship and Empowerment trainings. Not only should the NGO's and UNWOMEN but also the government should also focus on trainings like those and it should be done in interval of time because one training program is not enough.

1. We, migrant women workers do not have proper plan for our hard earned remittance and the government do not have investment schemes and plans to utilize our remittance. Generally, we do not have own any property of our own. The  most challenging part is when we want to take loan from the banks we need property for collateral which most women migrant workers do not have. When we return home with handful of money, all our money will be invested in households expenses, education of children and family health etc.

When we return home with no money then even the family, relatives and friends do not believe us even for a small amount of loan. Of course, there is already a burden to pay debts.

2. The potential women migrants workers must be oriented for basic financial literacy and planning before they go. They must have a future plan to invest their remittance in productive area.

-The government must have proper investment schemes to address these challenges. Special provision on returnee women migrants like low interest rate in bank loans, no cost skill  and entrepreneurship development trainings, pension plans, free education and health facilities for their children etc.

-All women migrants must have a separate saving account to deposit some portion of their earning every month.

3. Good practices for the reintegration of women migrants in the economy

I would like to share my own experience- I have attended 8 days entrepreneurship training supported by UNWomen's Reintegration Program. Then we started organic farming (vegetables and mushrooms) and poultry  farming (ducks and fishes). This  business did not do well as expected. Though, we were a failure in our business, we have learnt great lesson how and what to choose for successful business. After this,  we have invested in fast food restaurant business. Now, this business is returning us satisfactorily.Now I feel not only economically empowered but also socially due to my successful business and as a successful trainer on financial literacy to the potential women migrant workers on safe migration.

1. when the women get back to nation or their native country without money, their family members - relatives do not show any key concern to the individual. when the individual doesn't have any money she cannot do any sort of work to live up there life ahead, Due to which they  have to return back to foreign land to earn money. Even, if they have brought some money back home, relatives borrow their money and do not return back , and even if, they have  with themselves they may not have any idea about how and where to invest the money , which is also a major problem of returnee women.

2. Respective authority holders or institutions should find  safe countries for the women migrant workers.Migrant should be provided with free skilled tanning  facilities in related area of work. Government of Nepal should provide grass root level awareness on safe migration and provide low interest rate loan to the women  migrant workers during the migration process. There is a need of social security mechanism in Nepal. Every women migrant worker should be treated with proper dignity. There is need of proper financial literacy trainings, livelihood programs, entrepreneurship trainings for proper use of remittance. For returnee women migrant workers who have come back without remittance , there is need of Government support.

3.By the support of UN Women  has become the best reintegration program in Nepal. In 2009, after working inPOURAKHI - Nepal  as a member  I got different opportunities to be a part of UN Women' s programs  empowered me as a result I have been working as a paralegal officer in POURAKHI - Nepal. I have been playing a role of trainer in legal awareness on safe migration. Since my involvement as a paralegal officer Pourakhi Nepal has dealt with more than 900 legal cases.Now I see myself socially and economically empowered because of Pourakhi-Nepal.

 

1.They  do not have investment plans therefore spend most of their money in buying expensive and  luxurious things.Also money will be borrowed by family members, relatives and neighbors and never returned. Also lack of invest plans of government migrant workers money spent on unproductive way.No entrepreneurship skill, no job opportunities no business counseling to returnee woman worker from governments.Not easy to get good suggestions from old friend circle as they have already moved ahead in life. As Governments still do not have provisions to easy access to loans to start some business for returnee women migrant workers they usually re migrate.If try for loan women do not have property for collateral therefore cannot get loan from banks.If they tend to start some micro business they do not have proper market to get profit.Women migrant workers usually spend their money either for the education of their children or household expenses.

2.They need support from government investment plan and entrepreneurship development trainings to returnee women migrant workers. Returnees who has come back without any money should be provided loan without collateral with skill and technical training. Government should have tax free provisions for returnee women migrant workers.Government should help in market facilities for their products.Government should introduce new technologies and trainers for new business for returnee women migrant workers. Government should provide insurance for their business incase any problems occur. Government should observe and monitor their business to improve the quality of their products.Government should come up with good business policy and make sure it is implemented. Government should support in nnational and international market.

3.After attending the eight days entrepreneurship development training from Pourakhi supported by UNWomen I have been able to work actively in the cooperative which returnee women migrant has started. As a returnee myself was not socially and economically very well empowered. But after receiving the training I with my team has made our cooperative a successful cooperative helping more than 400 members by providing them easy loans.I also work as a financial literacy trainer to other community groups of returnee women migrant workers and their families.  I believe that nothing is impossible if we get chance and opportunity we can do anything.  If I had not got the chance I would never have been  successful in my life. May be I would have re migrated for foreign employment again. 

During attempts to migrate to other countries that are economically better than their home countries, these women can face dangers of human trafficking; overpayments to agents ( middlemen ) to bring them out of their countries - can be on high interest loan terms, be tricked into thinking that they are offered waitressing jobs but when they reach those countries, forced to work in illegal jobs like being hookers to pay their way out of debts, being in a forced marriage, labour exploitation etc.  

1..Women migrant workers especially women going as domestic workers are the most vulnerable ones.Many comes back empty  handed in a distressed situation where family members tries to disown them.Even those who come back with some money face problem due to lack of Government's investment plans. Their hard earned money usually ends up paying back their loan, therefore forced to re migrate.

2..Financial literacy is one of the most important element for those who wants to migrate which allow them make inform choice because most women migrant workers migrates without any plan. State should be more sensitive in sending skilled labor so that they can compete in the labor market allowing them to earn more than an unskilled worker. For this there should be good, effective training institutes for domestic workers. State has to create employment opportunities within the country so that migration can be a choice and not a force migration. Women migrant workers usually return not only with money but also courage as she has seen the world, has faced problems,and knows how to fight and knows how to become a decision maker,therefore if state can do some research on this and upscale their skills they can contribute more to their own country. State should treat them with dignity.They should be provided easy access to financial institutions so that they can get loans easily to start or expand their business.

3..Entrepreunership development trainings to returnee women migrant workers and their families in Nepal with the support of UNWomen has become the   best model of reintegration program in Nepal.It has been replicated by Nepal Government to other areas and now other development partners are also replicating them to other districts for returnee migrants.Through this training more than 1000 returnee women migrant workers have started their small scale business.On an average they are earning monthly equal to what they used to earn in the Gulf as a domestic worker. This pilot program has economically empowered many returnee women migrant workers in Nepal. Link: (http://youtu.be/aKs1UlEe2xs)

Dear all

Welcome to the discussion! This is the space dedicated to hear voices of returning migrant women.

This e-discussion is in supportive of the Asia Pacific Regional Workshop on Effective Social and Economic Reintegration of Women Migrant Workers, to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 19-21 August. The Workshop, co-organized by UN Women and ILO, aims to identify and share good practices of reintegration services and programmes for a better social and economic integration of returning women migrant workers. Please click Here to find more information about the Workshop.

You are all welcome to share your experience, views and inputs to this e-discussion by answering the three questions as outlined above. Please feel free to write in either English or in the languages below. Toward the end of the discussion, your inputs will be translated, summarized and fed into sessions in the Workshop in Nepal wherever possible.

Please also be invited to share materials and resources relevant to the topic of discussion, printed, video clips, voice clips, etc are welcome. Please click here to upload your material. If you refer to any of the uploaded metarials in your discussion entries please hyperlink it to the source. If you are not sure how to do so please just contact me. Here is my email address.  

Languages: Hindi,Nepali, Vietnamese, Khmer, Bengali, Urdu, Thai and English

Thank you and look forward to an engaging conversation! 

Siriporn

The Knowledge Gateway team