On the Crossroad of Reception and Rejection: The Case of Migrant Workers in the Local Community of The Maldives

AISHATH SHAFINA
aishath.shafina@gmail.com

Vol. 06, No. 01, Year 2021, Pages 27-35

ABSTRACT

The migrant population of the Maldives makes up one-third of the island’s population, with Indian and Bangladeshi migrants forming the bulk of the migrant population. Over one-third of the migrants are undocumented, and local and international sources have reported frequent discrimination and violation of rights. Hence, this study explores the levels of acceptance by the Maldivian community towards the migrant workers, particularly the Indian and Bangladeshi migrant workers living in the country. A representative sample from North, South and Central atolls of the Maldives was surveyed to analyse their perception of sociocultural and socioeconomic determinants of acceptance towards integration of the migrant community. The sociocultural dimensions explored local’s acceptance of social gatherings, language, cuisine, inter-cultural marriage, religious practice, cultural celebrations and broadcasting content suitable for the migrant community. The socioeconomic determinants explored the acceptance of migrant communities in terms of the occupation they represent. The study concluded that Maldivians have ‘selective acceptance’ towards migrant workers in specific socioeconomic and sociocultural determinants, determined by the display of determinants in public and private spheres of life.

Keywords: Migrants, Integration, Culture, Migration, Xenophobia

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On the Crossroad of Reception and Rejection: The Case of Migrant Workers in the Local Community of The Maldives