Understanding the motivations of being Indonesian migrant workers

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to delve into migrant workers’ life experiences, focusing on their decisions to leave their families for a long time while pursuing job opportunities abroad. Using a qualitative approach based on phenomenology, this study explores the motives that drive migrant workers from Indonesia to seek employment abroad. The findings revealed motivations such as getting a higher salary than working in Indonesia, improving family welfare, obtaining facilities to perform the Hajj, seeking experience living abroad, own home, getting money to pay debts, difficulty getting a job in the country, and running away from family problems. This study offers insights into the complex interactions between economic, social, and personal considerations that influence an individual’s decision to pursue employment abroad. This study contributes to our understanding of migrant workers’ experiences and the underlying factors that shape their pursuit of opportunities abroad. The contribution of this research provides an overview of the Indonesian government regarding the wants and needs of Indonesian migrant workers to obtain expected welfare.

Keywords

• Migrant workers
• motivations
• life experiences
• phenomenology
• Komalsingh Rambaree, Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Gävle, Gavle, Sweden
• Migration