Experiences of female Ugandan migrant workers from the Middle East: a returnee perspective

Abstract

In the recent years, there has been a significant rise in labour migration from sub-Saharan countries to the Middle East countries of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain. In Uganda particularly, more women than men travel to the Middle East states in the pursuit for better employment opportunities where they are mostly engaged in domestic work. This research adopts a returnee perspective to describe and investigate the multifaceted experiences of female Ugandan migrant workers from the Middle East countries across the three phases of migration which include the pre-departure phase, working overseas and return back to Uganda. The main goal of the study is to inform policy reforms and interventions that are protective and ensure the wellbeing of these migrant workers. It employs a qualitative phenomenological approach utilizing key informant interviews with different stakeholders and in-depth interviews with returnee migrant workers. The findings indicate significant vulnerabilities associated with the 3 key phases. Economic despair, unethical recruitment practices, inadequate pre-departure training and unenforceable contracts are characteristics of the pre-departure phase that collectively prepare way for later difficulty. These women often struggle with long work hours, inadequate reimbursement, limited communication with family and are subjected to physical, mental, psychological and sexual abuse while working abroad. Despite these major obstacles, migration often ends in substantial financial gains, empowering many individuals and families. However, serious financial integration issues such as unemployment and the rampant misuse of resources by trusted family members usually undermine these benefits after return. Returnees face physical and mental health issues, relational challenges and family hostility due to unresolved conditions and lack of support networks. By laying out the urgent need for policy interventions that go beyond legislation to ensure effective enforcement, accountability and comprehensive support throughout the whole migration cycle, this research makes a significant contribution to the discussion on the rights of workers rights while overseas and global development. The findings emphasize that although labour migration presents economic prospects, its current structural shortcomings convert it into an urgent social and human rights issue that necessitates immediate and comprehensive governmental remedies.