Cambodian Domestic Workers in Malaysia: Challenges in Labor Migration Policy and Potential Mechanisms for Protection
- Date
2012-01-15
- Authors
Elizabeth A. Léone
- Abstract
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.- Number of pages
1-34
- Place published
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- File Attachments
- Links
- Keywords
Domestic Workers, Malaysia, Cambodia
- Economic sectors
Occupations in services - Domestic work
- Content types
Policy analysis, Support initiatives, and Statistics on work and life conditions
- Target groups
Policymakers, Researchers, and NGOs/community groups/solidarity networks
- Geographical focuses
Regional relevance
- Spheres of activity
Gender and sexuality studies and Social work
- Languages
English
