Violation of female migrants' rights

THE plight of female migrant workers, despite their increasing contributions to the country's remittance earnings, is rarely ever highlighted in discussions and policymaking on “manpower” and migrant rights. It is a matter of great concern that a majority of female migrant workers face different forms of violence in the workplace, including physical and sexual abuse, and are exploited either by employers or recruiting agencies.

According to a study published by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) earlier this year, 65% of female migrant workers face violence one way or the other in their host countries. Despite these alarming statistics, there are no support systems for these women, either abroad or at home, and no recourse to justice.

We urge the government to address this issue urgently, and negotiate with the receiving country to ensure migrant women's rights. The embassies must prioritise this issue, initiating legal action against perpetrators and setting up shelter houses where female migrants can obtain immediate assistance.

We cannot celebrate women's empowerment through employment if we fail to provide systematic protection to them in their workplaces, especially in foreign countries where they do not know the language, culture or people.

In addition, we must build the capacities of these women so they can take up high-skilled jobs with better pay, benefits and protections, instead of being relegated to low-paying, exploitative jobs.

The government must also deal with local recruiting agencies exploiting the women with a stern hand. In addition, there has to be strong coordination among government, recruiting agencies and employers to ensure their rights.