An exploratory study on the motivations for migration among foreign domestic workers in Singapore

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamics and mechanisms behind women’s labour migration to Singapore as a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW), examining women’s autonomy in the decision-making process, the reasons and motivations for their decision, as well as the variables leading to them to be engaged in circular migration. It is difficult to explain this form of migration with existing global labour system literature due its negligence to recognise migration in terms of the diversity among the migrant workers as well as the multiple positions and roles women may simultaneously undertake. This study proposes a micro-level approach to understand women’s migration: rather than a single motivating factor such as an economic purpose. The paper will look at individual life stories of the migrant women, and their narratives will show how their ideals, family dynamics and sense of self led to their engagement in circular migration.