Female labor migration has been a significant aspect of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic landscape for decades. As the country’s largest source of foreign remittances, female migrant workers, particularly those employed in the Middle East as domestic and care workers, make critical contributions to the national economy. Despite their indispensable role, the social, cultural, and economic consequences of this process are far-reaching and complex. While labor migration offers economic opportunities for women and their families, it also raises critical questions related to social cohesion, cultural identity, gender dynamics, and the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents.

The economic implications of female labor migration are multifaceted, with effects at both macro and micro levels. These female workers significantly contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy through remittances. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, remittances contribute approximately 8% of the country’s GDP, and the highest proportion of (total) remittances is generated by female workers employed in the Gulf region1. In fact, female migrant workers comprised nearly 50 percent (or above) of the total migrant workforce until 2013, when the government implemented formal restrictions to limit the number of female workers migrating, particularly into the Gulf region2.

While remittances serve as a crucial source of foreign currency for Sri Lanka’s economy, on a microeconomic scale, remittances not only provide crucial foreign currency but also enhance household incomes. These funds enable families to access better education, healthcare, and housing, contributing to long-term improvements in living standards and socio-economic mobility. Female migrants (often the primary breadwinners of these families) use their earnings to provide for their families. Many households, particularly in rural areas of the country, escape severe poverty as a result, leading to improved living standards. Investments in children’s education and infrastructure, such as home construction, are common outcomes.

It has also brought significant changes to gender dynamics within Sri Lanka. Traditionally, the male-dominated labor market left women with limited opportunities to earn an independent income. Migration, however, has empowered many women by providing them with an opportunity to achieve financial independence and contribute to the family’s economic well-being. For many women, working abroad has also opened doors to new opportunities for personal growth, self-reliance, and empowerment.

However, this financial stability comes at a cost, with long-term family separations and associated socio-emotional impacts. While women’s increasing participation in the labor market challenges traditional gender roles and provides them with new forms of empowerment, it also places significant pressure on family structures. The departure of women for work often leads to family separation: one of the most profound consequences of female labor migration is the impact on families, particularly children left behind. Many female migrants leave young children in the care of relatives or spouses, which can lead to emotional distress, behavioral issues, and educational setbacks.

The emotional toll of these separations can be immense, with many migrant women facing guilt and anxiety over leaving their children behind. In some cases, this has led to changes in parenting dynamics, with men taking on a more prominent role in raising children. However, this shift is not without its challenges, as traditional gender roles often mean that men are less prepared to assume domestic responsibilities.

On the other hand, migrant women often face harsh working conditions and exploitation, particularly in the Middle East region where labor laws and protections may not be as robust. Reports of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Human Rights Watch have highlighted concerns over the treatment of Sri Lankan domestic workers abroad, including issues inter alia physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, and restricted freedom of movement. Furthermore, many migrant women face psychological challenges stemming from isolation and the emotional strain of being away from their families. Studies have shown that female migrant workers often struggle with mental health issues due to their demanding work conditions and the absence of social support networks3. These factors have raised questions about the ethical implications of labor migration and the need for better protection and support for migrant workers, especially women.

This phenomenon is noteworthy for two key reasons. First, female migrant workers perform the same household and caregiving tasks in their destination countries that they traditionally undertake at home, but in return for a wage. This makes migration a rational decision, as it improves their financial stability and enables them to better support their families.

Second, there is a significant lack of well-paying occupational opportunities for women in Sri Lanka, particularly for those in rural areas. Although Sri Lanka has made commendable progress in improving women's education compared to other South Asian countries, substantial regional disparities persist, limiting employment prospects for women.

Therefore, it is essential for policymakers to address the root causes of female labor migration when developing solutions, rather than imposing abrupt restrictions. For instance, the introduction of the mandatory Family Background Report (FBR) led to a rise in undocumented female migration, as highlighted by4.Thoughtful, evidence-based policies are needed to mitigate these challenges effectively.

References

1 Foreign Employment Bureau. 2023. Foreign Exchange Earnings. Colombo.
2 Gunaratne, Jayathry. 2023. “Gendered State: ‘Governmentality’ and the Labour Migration Policy of Sri Lanka.” Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences 46(1):65–80.
3 Migrant Women Press. n.d. “The State of Migrant Women’s Mental Health.” Migrant Women Press.
4 Weeraratne, Bilesha. 2016. “Protecting the Welfare of Children and Its Causal Effect on Limiting Mother’s Labour Migration.” International Migration 54(5):59–75.