Understanding Psychosocial Issues Faced by Migrant Workers and Their Families

Abstract

A study to examine the psychosocial issues faced by Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families at all stages of the labour migration cycle was commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare. It was expected that the study would provide an understanding of the many faceted psychosocial issues of labour migration and thereby enable a suitable course of action to be taken to provide support and assistance to the workers and their families. The rationale for the importance of this is that these workers provide a substantial amount to the state coffers, and it is incumbent upon the state to protect and fortify the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of this migrant community.