The Situation of Female Overseas Migrant Workers: Data Analysis Based on the Household Survey in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focuses on female overseas migrant workers from Bangladesh. Bangladesh sends out a large number of overseas migrant workers and receives international remittances. Although the number of female workers migrating abroad is currently smaller than that of males, the Bangladesh government has actively initiated a policy to help female workers with overseas employment opportunities. However, it faces some challenges in implementing this initiative. Most female workers are engaged in unskilled labour such as domestic work or cleaning. More than half of them have only completed primary education or are illiterate.

Furthermore, many women reportedly face harassment or violence in their workplaces. Previous studies have highlighted the need to protect the rights of migrant women and ensure their safety. In this study, we analyse the situation of female Bangladeshi overseas migrants using data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2016. The data confirms the findings of previous studies that most female workers have a low level of education and are engaged in unskilled work. The average amount of remittances from female workers was smaller than those from males. The most frequently observed overseas remittance spending at the household sending overseas workers was household consumption. Additionally, it has been found that remittances from women are used more for education than that from men.

The situation of overseas migrant women is still difficult and needs further improvement. Instead of merely sending a large number of unskilled workers, the government should consider dispatching more skilled female workers. In addition, the government should engage in collaborations with host countries to protect the rights and security of female Bangladeshi migrant workers.