Long-Term Benefits from Temporary Migration: Does the Gender of the Migrant Matter?

Abstract

It is reported that over 75% of migrants from Sri Lanka to the Middle East comprise of women. Most of these migrations are temporary, as the unskilled domestic work undertaken is not conducive to long term migration. Hence, the economic gains through such employment is short lived, unless wiser counsel prevails, and remittances are invested for long term returns. This study is focused on determining whether the long term benefits from temporary migration is dependent on the gender of the migrant. It has been found that women migrants invest mainly on home improvements and keeping up with other households, whereas, remittances of men are utilized more on housing and business ventures, thereby strengthening the economic position of the households.