A recent study has highlighted the social impacts of physical distances between children and their migrant worker parents, particularly addressing issues such as truancy, discipline, and mental health in Pacific nations like Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. Family members, caregivers, and civil society workers expressed concerns over how the Pacific labor mobility schemes affect children during interviews and focus group discussions.
The study indicated that the emotional, communicative, and physical separations caused by the labor mobility scheme significantly disrupt daily routines for children, leading to increased mental health problems and behavioral issues, including absenteeism from school. Many children are taking on caregiving roles for their siblings, often without adequate adult supervision, exacerbating the situation.
Behavioral challenges are particularly noted in households where fathers, often seen as disciplinarians, are absent. One wife of a Fijian migrant worker shared how her son’s academic performance declined drastically during her husband’s absence, stating that he became disrespectful and disobedient. Similarly, another Fijian migrant worker observed negative behavioral changes in their children, reporting that they became noncompliant and would push back against their mother’s authority.
The report also revealed that children observing their parents earning substantial income through labor mobility schemes are increasingly disregarding their educational aspirations. The study points out that witnessing less skilled parents earning more than educated individuals in their community can demotivate students, leading them to undervalue education and instead aspire to work overseas. This trend could potentially result in a generational gap in educated and professional workers, with negative implications for community growth and development.