The psychosocial impact of labour trafficking in Asia : a study of returned Bangladeshi survivors

Abstract

This dissertation explores the causes and consequences of informal maritime labour migration from Bangladesh, a source country of unskilled workers, to neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Thailand. The issue of informal labour migration came to international prominence during the Andaman Sea Crisis in May 2015, when mass graves were discovered on the Thai-Malaysia border, and thousands of people were abandoned by traffickers on ships. More than 2,500 survivors were repatriated to Bangladesh, amid reports of substantial abuse, including kidnapping, extortion and murder at the hands of traffickers. While other research has examined the health and mental health effects of trafficking for sexual exploitation, the causes, experiences, health and psychosocial effects of labour trafficking have not been examined in detail. The aim of this study is to record migrants' experiences of informal labour migration from Bangladesh, including: examination of the motivations and financial means for such migration; the tactics and treatments employed by recruiters and traffickers, and the socioeconomic and health effects of this form of migration on returnees. Particular attention is paid to specific exposures at different phases of these journeys, and their impacts on psychosocial health and wellbeing. The research questions of the study were: (1) what were the reasons for taking part in undocumented migration?; (2) what were the specific experiences and exposures during migration and in countries of landing?; (3) were there specific social, economic and health effects associated with informal migration; and (4) what factors supported or undermined successful re-integration? It is important to address these questions because there is little substantial research regarding male survivors of labour trafficking or how trafficking experiences may affect the health and wellbeing of returnees. Such knowledge can inform re-integration and psychosocial care programs for trafficking survivors and their families. It can also assist policy level institutions such as the government of Bangladesh to prioritise and plan economic development based on sustainable labour migration strategies.

Date of Award	2020
Original language	English