Illegal Migration Causes and Impacts Among Returnees Women from Middle East Countries: The Case of Woliso Town, South-west Showa Zone Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main aim of this research study was to investigate the causes of illegal migration and its impacts in the returnees who are living in Woliso town. To achieve these objectives, qualitative methods and Semi-structured in depth interviews were held with a total of 25 women participants. Descriptive phenomenology was the approach employed for conducting this study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 25 returnees of illegal emigrant from Middle East countries. The Primary information was collected mainly from the migrants, Labour and Social affairs office. Phenomenological method of analysis for study was used to analyze the data obtained from the participants. The findings of the study revealed that there are a variety of contributory factors that led to the emergence of migrant women from Ethiopia to Middle East countries. The result showed that the major factors contributing to the migration and vulnerability of Ethiopian women to illegal emigration are lack of employment, poverty, lack of prospects, the search for better opportunities and income to support themselves and their families and economic insecurity as the probable cause of this migration. The finding further indicated that Illegally emigrated women from Ethiopia are exposed to various forms of abuse and exploitation such as prohibition of contact with family members, long working hours, labor exploitation, denial of rest and leave, denial of food, sexual harassment and rape, beatings and imprisonment in the country of destination. In general, the results of the study show that those returnees have needs that call for greater attention to be given as the available services and service providers need to be attentive to their needs and the need to expand the types and number of services provided for these women.

Keywords: illegal immigration, pushing factors, domestic workers, physical and sexual abuse

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/52-03

Publication date:October 31^st 2019