世界发展银行-Why-do-Indonesian-Men-and-Women-Choose-Undocumented-Migration_-Exploring-Gender-Differences-in-Labor-Migration-Patterns_4页_1mb

Summary of the Policy Brief: Why Do Indonesian Men and Women Choose Undocumented Migration? Exploring Gender Differences in Labor Migration Patterns

Core Content

This policy brief explores the reasons why Indonesian men and women choose undocumented migration, highlighting gender differences in migration patterns and the role of information access in influencing these choices. The study is based on data collected from 13,372 Indonesians aged 18 to 40 across 179 villages in six provinces: East Java, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, South Sulawesi, and East Nusa Tenggara.

The brief is part of the East Asia and Pacific Gender Innovation Lab (EAPGIL) initiative, which focuses on generating evidence to close gender gaps in assets, economic opportunities, and agency, ultimately aiming to improve the welfare of women and men in the region.

Main Findings

• Limited Knowledge of Documented Migration: Only about 10% of Indonesians aged 18 to 40 who are interested in migrating abroad know the requirements for documented migration. This is not significantly different between men and women.
• Information Sources Influence Migration Decisions: Those who get information from formal sources (government agencies or private labor placement agencies) are more likely to be informed about the required documents. However, the majority of potential migrants rely on informal sources, such as friends or brokers.
• Gender Differences in Registration Preferences: Women are more likely to register through brokers, while men are more likely to use formal agencies. These differences are mainly driven by women with children under 15, who face greater time constraints due to childcare responsibilities.
• Time Constraints Increase Vulnerability: Women, especially those with young children, are more vulnerable to undocumented migration due to the time-consuming nature of childcare and the difficulty in accessing formal migration services, which are often located far from rural areas and operate during limited hours.
• Undocumented Migration Risks: Undocumented migrants face higher risks, including physical violence, unsafe workplaces, and economic exploitation. They also earn 24.9% less and send 43.6% less money home compared to documented migrants.

Key Policy Implications

1. Gender-Focused Information Dissemination:

   • There is a need to provide gender-specific information about migration. Both men and women are vulnerable to undocumented migration, but in different ways.
   • Women are more likely to migrate as domestic workers to the Middle East, while men tend to migrate as farm and construction workers to Malaysia.
   • Information should be tailored to address the unique vulnerabilities of men and women.

2. Simplification of the Documentation Process:

   • The documentation process for formal migration is lengthy and complex, involving at least 17 steps. This complexity may deter women from using formal channels.
   • Simplifying and shortening the process can help reduce the reliance on informal sources and lower the risk of undocumented migration.

3. Innovative Methods for Information Access:

   • Information should be disseminated through more diverse and accessible methods, including digital platforms such as SMS campaigns and migration information hotlines.
   • These methods can help reach time-constrained potential migrants and provide standardized, cost-effective information on migration.

Conclusion

The brief emphasizes that gender differences in migration patterns are largely influenced by time constraints and access to information. To reduce the prevalence of undocumented migration, especially among women, there is a need to improve the availability and accessibility of formal migration information, simplify the documentation process, and implement innovative outreach strategies. These efforts can help ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities to migrate safely and legally, thereby enhancing their economic outcomes and overall well-being.