Abandoned and Forgotten: Returnee Migrant Women Workers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Reintegration of returnee migrant workers into society is an integral part of the migration process. However, regrettably, little attention has been paid to it by either the state or civil organizations. There are no formal organized programmes for reintegration or any count of Sri Lankan returnees. This is despite one of the objectives of the Bureau of Foreign Employment being, “to undertake programmes for the rehabilitation of Sri Lankans who return to Sri Lanka after employment outside Sri Lanka. This study examines the plight of returnee female migrants, and the actions taken by the Bureau and other organizations for their reintegration. It also identifies gaps and shortcomings of the existing programmes and provides recommendations for future action.