Gender and The Migration Process: Bangladeshi Migration To The United Arab Emirates

Drawing on the experiences of Bangladeshi female and male migrant workers in the UAE and the members of their families left behind in Bangladesh, this study examines the gender differentiated migration outcomes among Bangladeshi migrants. In particular, the study seeks to address patterns of recruitment, experiences on foreign soil, and remittances for Bangladeshi migrants in the Bangladesh-the UAE migration corridor. The study argues that we need to broaden the study of temporary migration and gender issues to include major spheres in the temporary labour migration and see migration as a process. This research identifies three major spheres where gender matters: recruitment, experiences on foreign soil, and remittances. Total sample size of the study is 250. Fifty female migrant workers and 100 male migrant workers in the UAE were surveyed through face-to-face interviews. Fieldwork in Bangladesh involves interviewing 50 selected UAE male migrant households and 50 selected female migrant households. These two-way surveys are complemented by participant observations and focus group discussions.