Migrant Women’s Health and Safety: Why Do Ethiopian Women Choose Irregular Migration to the Middle East for Domestic Work?

Zewdneh Shewamene (), Cathy Zimmerman, Eyasu Hailu, Lemi Negeri, Annabel Erulkar, Elizabeth Anderson, Yuki Lo, Orla Jackson and Joanna Busza
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Zewdneh Shewamene: Department of Public Health, Environment & Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
Cathy Zimmerman: Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
Eyasu Hailu: Population Council, Heritage Plaza, Bole Medhaneialem Road, Addis Ababa 18609, Ethiopia
Lemi Negeri: Population Council, Heritage Plaza, Bole Medhaneialem Road, Addis Ababa 18609, Ethiopia
Annabel Erulkar: Population Council, Heritage Plaza, Bole Medhaneialem Road, Addis Ababa 18609, Ethiopia
Elizabeth Anderson: The Freedom Fund, Lighterman House, 30 Wharfdale Road, London N1 9RY, UK
Yuki Lo: The Freedom Fund, Lighterman House, 30 Wharfdale Road, London N1 9RY, UK
Orla Jackson: The Freedom Fund, Lighterman House, 30 Wharfdale Road, London N1 9RY, UK
Joanna Busza: Department of Public Health, Environment & Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-12

Abstract: Background: Low-wage labour migration is an increasing determinant of global health, associated with risks of exploitation, abuse, and unsafe conditions. Despite efforts to prevent irregular migration and initiatives to warn individuals of the risks of trafficking, many migrants still opt for irregular channels, particularly women seeking jobs as domestic workers. Ethiopia is one of the largest source countries for female migrants entering the domestic labour market in the Middle East. This qualitative study explored migration decision making by Ethiopian women traveling to the Middle East for domestic labour, focusing on the use of irregular channels. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with policy stakeholders, migration recruiters, and returnee domestic workers. Results: We identified three main themes that help explain decision making by female migrants and their communities. First, women were not always clear whether they were using legally approved processes, particularly because of the range of individuals involved in arranging migration plans. Second, irregular migration was seen to be quicker and easier than regular migration procedures. Third, study participants believed the risks between irregular and regular migration were similar. Conclusion: Our study highlights challenges associated with antitrafficking initiatives that discourage irregular migration and suggests new perspectives to address the health risks linked to labour migration.

Keywords: irregular migration; domestic labour; women; Ethiopia; Middle East (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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