2012-01-15
Elizabeth A. Léone
This paper will look at the challenges facing young Cambodian women who migrate to
Malaysia as domestic workers. Section I will discuss the causes leading to the labor shortage in
Malaysia and the difficulties in regulating this particular informal sector. The recruitment agency
system for Cambodians is also detailed as well as the current working conditions for Cambodians
in Malaysia. Section II will look at current legal mechanisms in place for workers, covering the
domestic laws of Cambodia and Malaysia as well as international covenants, including a detailed
analysis of the brand new Convention on Domestic Workers, adopted in June of 2011. Section
III provides a case study of the Philippines where government regulation of the labor migration
system has led to increases in remittances, worker protection and higher remuneration. Section
IV concludes with recommendations for strengthening the labor migration system for
Cambodians working in Malaysia.
1-34
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Domestic Workers, Malaysia, Cambodia
Occupations in services - Domestic work
Policy analysis, Support initiatives, and Statistics on work and life conditions
Policymakers, Researchers, and NGOs/community groups/solidarity networks
Regional relevance
Gender and sexuality studies and Social work
English
