Current Problems With Migrant Workers - Essay Example

? Current problems with migrant workers Introduction “The growing pace of globalization has created more migrant workers than ever before. Unemployment and increasing poverty have prompted many workers in developing countries to seek work elsewhere, while developed countries have increased their demand for labor, especially unskilled labor” (International Labor Organization, 2012). In simple terms, migration can be defined as the process of the movement of people from one place to another occurs for better living prospects or job opportunities. Migration usually occurs internally and externally. In other words, migration cane takes place within the boundaries of the country and also between different countries. Globalization, liberalization and privatization like modern economic principles gave momentum to the migration activities. Countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc have excessive labor forces and lesser job opportunities whereas countries or regions such as America, Europe, Middle East have excessive job opportunities and lesser manpower. In order to keep a balance between the number of labor force and the number of opportunities, countries often encourage migration activities. Even though migration is a kind of fortune exploration, it is not necessary that all the migrants may get better fortunes because of migration. In fact migrant workers are facing lot of personal, social and family problems in their workplace which is situated in locations other than their native places. In most of the cases, workers are usually comfortable in working near their native places because of their better awareness about the local culture and working environment. However, migrant workers forced to work in entirely new places which could be extremely different; socially, linguistically, legally, politically and economically from their native places. All these parameters can create huge problems to the migrant workers and their families. This paper analyses the current problems facing by migrant workers and the possible solutions for this problem. Current problems with migrant workers The latest changes in the UK government's managed migration policy with the introduction of a new Points-Based System have been recognized as privileging White European economic migrant workers - including those from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries - at the expense of low-skilled (non-White) workers from outside of the European Union (Pemberton & Stevens, 2010, p.1289). Europe is a region which is facing severe manpower shortage virtually in all the critical areas of employment. People from all over the world are currently working at different parts of Europe. For example, in majority of the European hospitals, a substantial portion of the working nurses are from Asian countries. Since the integration of European countries is currently taking place though European Union, many European countries have implemented different labour laws for different people. In other words, labour laws for White European economic migrant workers are entirely different from the labour laws for black people. In other words, racial discrimination in the form of labour discrimination is still prevailing in many of the European countries. The case of America is also not much different. Violence against the migrant workers are growing everywhere in the world. It should be noted that people from developed countries are reluctant in accepting professions which requires hard labour. On the other hand workers from poor countries are ready to accept hard labour. Thus skilled labour shortage is one of the major problems facing by the developed countries. In America, Europe and Middle East, most of the workers working in the construction industry are from India and Pakistan. Because of the shortage of domestically available constructions workers and the huge demands for construction works, developed countries are recruiting bulk volumes of skilled workers from underdeveloped countries. Migration of workers in large volumes is causing demographic imbalances in some countries. For example, in many of the Middle Eastern countries, expatriate community constitutes the majority of the population. Locals may not be interested in watching large volumes of expatriate workers working in their territories. They may think that the expatriate workers are looting their job opportunities and country’s wealth. The above thoughts motivate locals to start violent activities against the migrant workers. Australia is one country in which migrant workers are facing lot of social problems at present. Since majority of the migrant workers in Australia are of Indian origin, Indian workers are facing lot of social problems in Australia at present. An article appeared on the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, argues that “The continuing spate of attacks and violence against Indians in Australia has once again exploded the much-touted myth that globalization promotes and respects pluralism and multiculturalism” (The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, 2009). Health problems are comparatively more among migrant worker community. According to a survey conducted in Gujarat, India, regular consumption of tobacco and alcohol were 50.48 and 14.65%, respectively among workers. Moreover, the survey also revealed that 20.71% had suspected malaria; 12.6% had respiratory infections, while 3.4% were found to have hypertension (Adsul, et al., 2011, p.29). Migrant workers often forced to face entirely new climatic and environmental situations near their workplace. Such variations in climate often destroy their physical and mental health. Local workers could be well accustomed to that climate and therefore they may not face many problems. On the other hand, migrant workers could be unfamiliar to the new climate and they may develop health problems. Mental disorders seem to be more among migrant workers than among the local workers. Local workers may get enough opportunities to mingle with their family and friends so that they can share their emotions to them. On the other hand, migrant workers need not be enjoying such facilities. For example, Middle East a region in which millions of construction workers are working like slaves in hot and humid conditions. They forced to work hard from morning to evening and spend sleepless nights. These people do not have the right to bring their families with them because of the visa regulations in Middle Eastern countries. Thus, they will be handicapped to share their emotions to the beloved ones. It should be noted that sexual life is necessary for a worker to release his emotions and tensions. Since most of the migrant workers in Middle East do not have the right to bring their wives, they forced to lead a stressful bachelor life. All these problems destroy their mental health and many of the expatriate workers in Middle East are developing psychological problems. Adhikari et al., (2011) pointed out that “Migrant workers mainly from Asian countries, working in the Middle East face various work-related risks including accidents at work; stress and mental health issues and lifestyle related factors such as illegal drinking” (Adhikari et al.,2011, p.169). A cross sectional comparative survey was conducted among 253 children (aged 5-10 years) of women migrant workers in the Colombo District and age and sex matched controls from same neighbourhood. Results showed that children with mental health problems were significantly higher in the study group. Not having an elder sibling, father not living with child, mother educated up to grade 5 or less, change of principal carer (PC) twice or more, living with a relative (or not living in own home), child not communicating freely with PC, and not being permitted to engage in recreational activities at school were significantly associated with abnormal mental health of children of migrant women (Senaratne & Perera, 2011, p.153) Another major problem facing by the migrant workers is related to the proper development of their children. Children of migrant workers forced to study with the local children. Local children may not show too much friendliness with the children of migrant workers. They will treat migrant worker’s children as second class citizens and they may start bullying and harassing like antisocial activities. In schools, migrant worker’s children quite often face violent activities. Such antisocial behaviours from the local students may cause huge stress in the minds of the migrant worker’s children and their mental development as well as academic development could be seriously damaged. According to Hopf & Hatzichristou (1992), migrant children have serious problems at school during the migratory period that they are at a disadvantage after returning home to the country of origin, and that unless they return to their country when they are 9 years old at the latest, they have little chance of succeeding at school (Hopf & Hatzichristou, 1992, p.1). It should be noted that migrant worker’s children often forced to learn different languages. For example, children of Indian workers in America forced to learn English at the expense of their mother tongue Hindi. When such children return to India, they may be forced to continue their education in Hindi medium. These changes in medium of instruction often create problems to the migrant worker’s children. It should be noted that these children forced to learn foreign culture in foreign schools and they could be learned little about their local culture. When they return home, lack of awareness about local culture and the increased awareness about the foreign culture may create problems to them. For example, dating is a common life style in American schools whereas in Indian schools, such habits are rare. When Indian worker’s children return home, they may try to start dating relations with Indian girls which could trigger social problems. Verdoodt (1973) pointed out that “Linguistic rights of migrant workers are passively tolerated and not actively encouraged by the host country” (Verdoodt, 1973, p.1). For example, it is difficult for Indians or Pakistanis in America to educate their children in Hindi or Urdu medium schools. These children forced to study in English mediums schools. English medium schools always give emphasize to English culture learning activities. Thus, children of migrant workers forced to learn a separate culture which is totally unfamiliar to them. Cultural conflicts are another major problem facing by migrant workers. It should be noted that migrant workers need not be belonging to the same culture of the country they migrate. For example, Many, Indians, Europeans, Philipinos, and Sri Lankans are working in Middle East at present. The cultural heritage of this expatriate workforce is entirely different from that of the Middle East culture. Middle East or Gulf countries are dominated by Arab or Muslim culture whereas the majority of the expatriate work forces in these regions are from other cultures. For example, Sundays are sacred for Christians whereas Fridays are sacred for Muslims. In Gulf countries Sundays are working days whereas Fridays are holidays. Europeans or Americans working in Middle East may face severe problems in attending Sunday church masses since Sundays are working days in Middle East. Nakonz & Shik, (2009) mentioned that “Intensified coping needs that arise from the migration process may lead to a reorientation towards more charismatic religious groups, which in turn seem to promote coping strategies specifically tailored towards the (relatively homogenous) experiences of migrants” (Nakonz & Shik, 2009, p.25) In 2009, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China put forward a measurement which requires all migrant workers to be included in the urban pension system. Chinese governments believe that this mandatory bill could help solve the endowment problems of migrant workers. However, new measurement would lead to reduction of employment opportunities in the society and, subsequently, harm the benefits of most migrant workers (Yuan & Lutang, 2010, p.213) In most of the countries, governments implement different employee welfare schemes for different employees. In other words, employee welfare schemes for migrant workers could be entirely different from that of the local workers. For example, in Gulf countries local employees are getting more health insurance benefits whereas the migrant workers are getting only few health insurance benefits. In many cases, expatriate employees forced to spend money from their pockets for getting treatment from hospitals in Gulf countries. Such discriminations are prevailing in most of the countries even though we talk loudly about the integration of a global community in a heavily globalized world. Although the financial remittances sent by male Mexican migrant workers residing in the United States can result in higher standards of living for their families and home communities, out-migration may lead to increased migrant problem drinking and sexual risk behaviours, which may in turn impact these same communities of origin. Drinking and risky sexual behaviours among migrant workers have had significant consequences for their home community in terms of diminished remittances, the introduction of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and loss of husbands or kinsmen to automobile accidents (Duke & Carpinteiro, 2009, p.328) Alcoholism and unhealthy sex habits are common among migrant workers. As mentioned earlier, most of the migrant workers are leading a bachelor life which forces them to engage in unhealthy life styles. Alcoholism and unsafe sex are common even among expatriate workers in Gulf countries. It should not be forgotten that most of the Gulf countries have strong laws against alcoholism. However, even in Saudi Arabia, expatriate workers have access to alcohol from illegal sources. In order to maintain a balanced physical and mental health, sexual life is necessary for every adult. However, most of the migrant workers were forced to lead bachelor life which encourages them to approach prostitutes for releasing their sexual energy. These prostitutes on the other hand many have sex relations with multiple partners and they could be possibly HIV carriers. Migrant workers who approach these prostitutes may get HIV or AIDS. In certain cases, political differences in the host country may also cause problems to the migrant workers. For example, Americans working in China may not be allowed to spread or believe in democracy. Those who are saying something against the communist administration in China will be prosecuted there. It is quite possible that a migrant worker working in China may say something in favour of democracy in his usual conversations with his Chinese counterparts. Such things are serious offenses in China and the culprit may get jail terms. Solutions for migrant worker’s problems Migrant workers should be treated in the same manner in which the domestic workers are treated. There should not be any discrimination while treating the workforce. Ultimately, both domestic workforce and expatriate workforce are doing the same thing; contributing to a country’s economy. Even though workers are different, contributions of the workers should be respected based on the magnitude of their work rather than their pedigree. Wages should be dispersed based on the contributions of the workers instead of the origin of the workers. Migrant workers should be allowed to follow their own cultures both in the workplace and also in their residence. Christian migrant workers should be allowed to take leave on Sundays and Muslim workers should be granted Friday leaves. Children of migrant workers should get proper education based on their own culture. For that purpose, schools based on different cultures and curricula should be established. Local children should be given awareness about the contributions of the migrant workers in developing a country’s economy so that they may stay away from harassing migrant worker’s children. Migrant workers are facing a huge discrepancy between their expectations and reality. Younger workers, in particular feel insecure, neither belonging to the city nor able to return to a livelihood in the countryside. Local community should make sure that expatriate workforce is necessary for the growth of a country, especially in the current globalized environment. Employers should provide migrant workers with a place to sleep where their privacy is respected. They should guarantee a weekly day of rest and annual holidays. The number of working hours per day should be limited to ten. Employers are obliged to arrange health insurance for employees in their households (United Nations human rights, 2009). Migrant workers should be allowed to quit their jobs if they feel something wrong with it. Employment contracts should not be a constraint in front of them in doing so. They should never be treated as second class citizens in the host country. The host country should realise that migrant workforce is there for helping them rather than exploiting them. For example, Middle East people cannot forget the contributions of expatriate workforce in building their country’s economy. Most of the construction works and infrastructure developments in Gulf and European countries are the outcomes of the hard work of the migrant workers. Many people in Gulf countries and European countries have the feeling that migrant workforce is causing huge demographic problems in their countries. They should realize that in the absence of domestically available skilled workforce, the services of the migrant workforce are important in building infrastructure facilities in their country. They may also have the illusion that machineries can do everything for them. However, machines have limitations in doing and controlling works. In order to operate the machines effectively, the services of the expatriate workforce is vital. Conclusions Migrant workforce is important in the development of most of the countries in the world. Only few countries like China, India etc have surplus labour force. Most of the developed countries are struggling to find enough labour force to operate critical sectors. Skilled manpower is less developed countries whereas it is excess in poor or developing countries. Globalization helped countries to exchange workforce smoothly between borders. On the other hand, migrant workforce is facing huge cultural, social, political and legal problems in the host countries. Most of the employers treat migrant workforce as secondary to the domestically available workforce. So, they show double standards while deciding promotions, dispersing wages and other facilities to the migrant workers. Sex exploitations, lack of healthcare, inadequate food and shelter etc are some other problems facing by migrant workers. Most of the migrant workers are leading bachelor life which forces them to get addicted to alcoholism and crazy sex habits. These activities may create physical as well as mental problems to them. Children of migrant workers are facing bullying and harassments in schools from peers. Moreover, they forced to learn a culture which is totally different from their domestic culture in schools. Governments should make laws to safeguard the rights of the migrant workers. They should realize that migrant workers are contributing as heavily as the domestic workforce contributing to their country’s economy. Under such circumstances, denial of basic rights to expatriate workforce is human right violation. References Adsul, B.B., Laad, P. S., Howal, P.V. & Chaturvedi, R. M. 2011. Health problems among migrant construction workers: A unique public-private partnership project. Indian Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Jan2011, Vol. 15 Issue 1, p29-32 Adhikari, P., Keen, S., & Tejlingen, E. 2011. Health Issues among Nepalese migrant workers in the Middle East. Health Science Journal ® Volume 5, Issue 3 (2011) Duke, M. R. & Carpinteiro, F.J. G. 2009. The Effects of Problem Drinking and Sexual Risk Among Mexican Migrant Workers on Their Community of Origin. Human Organization, Fall2009, Vol. 68 Issue 3, p328-339 Hopf, D. & Hatzichristou, C. 1992. 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Should All Migrant Workers in China Join the Urban Pension System? International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 2010, Vol. 5 Issue 4, p213-227, Read More