Migrant Housemaids from Ratnapura District working in the Middle-East : The Socio-Economic Impact of the migrant o phenomenon on both Family and Society

Abstract

Female migrant labor has been a reality since the earlv I980s. For many such women, married or single, often better educated than their husbands. migration for work related purposes brings a positive hope of success as a housemaid eams $100/month in average (Eelens & Schampers, 2008) \when employed overseas. Nevertheless, many Migrant Housemaids (MH) become vulnerable lo discrimination. abuse and violence in their host countries. In spite o f the manifestation of high economic gains. many women suffer and make a negative impact on both family and society. Further the societal image of migrant female workers is low because o f stories of misconduct by some previous MH (Eelens & Schampers. 2008). This study is a comparative analysis of positive and negative impact of female migrant laborers on themselves and their families. This study was basically a quantitative analysis. and families of Middle - East - employed housemaids (N= 100) were selected from Godakawela DS Division. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting Family units. Questionnaire and informal interview method were employed to collect the primary data. The conclusion reveals that positives of seemingly high income have been undermined by the failure of children in school performance, high morbidity rates and lifestyle of conspicuous consumption that leads to minimal savings. The analysis supports the hypothesis that the demerits of MH undermine the merits in terms of economic earnings.