1st Edition
Rationalizing Migration Decisions Labour Migrants in East and South-East Asia
While decisions for working overseas are often based on expectations and promises of better jobs, opportunities, economic gains and, eventually, a better future, such assumptions may not always be realized. Focusing on the question of why migrants, despite not realizing their earlier aspirations, continue to remain as migrants rather than return home, this book provides a unified understanding of the rationalization of the migration decision making. It does so by empirically situating the study in the experiences of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Biography
A K M Ahsan Ullah, a development and human mobility specialist is Associate Director and Assistant Professor at the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies, American University in Cairo. His selected works appear at International Migration, Asian and Pacific Migration Journal and Routledge.
'Migration for work is globally important and growing rapidly. The workers who are the subjects of this fascinating book are amongst the most vulnerable and precarious of migrant workers. Grounded in intensive fieldwork with Bangladeshi migrants in Hong Kong and Malaysia, Dr. Ullah’s study allows the reader a remarkable insight into the hopes, decisions and struggles of migrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families.' Kevin Hewison, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA 'The book reveals the complex web of factors and forces that are at work among Bangladeshis migrating to Malaysia and Hong Kong. It suggests that what results to "successful" migratory outcomes are primarily due to dysfunctional market and governmental mechanisms. With his in-depth knowledge in migratory processes between South and East Asia, Dr. Ullah provides valuable insights for migration policy makers and practitioners.' Md. Shahidul Haque, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East, Formerly IOM Regional Representative for South Asia 'Migrations to destinations in East Asia are emerging to rival flows to Europe and other parts of the developed world. This study of labour migration from Bangladesh to Hong Kong and Malaysia provides fresh insight into the mechanics of the process as well as into the goals and hopes of the migrants.' Ronald Skeldon, University of Sussex, UK 'Rationalizing Migration Decisions is a timely book on an important topic that has received less attention in migration research than it deserves. Using Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia and Hong Kong as the empirical case material, it asks why do migrants stay overseas even when their dreams of a better life are not fulfilled.' Nordic Journal of Migration Research
