Abstract:
This study attempts to find out the effects of maternal migration on some selected aspects of
the existing family structure, employment status and personal habits of the father and health
and psycho social development of the left behind children. Majority of the women who
migrate to middle east as house maids are from low socio economic groups. A good
proportion of them are mothers with growing up children. In 1992 it was estimated that 65
per cent of the migrant females were married. The government tend to see labour migration
as some thing beneficial to the country and to the people, contrary to the migration of
professionals which is considered as the "brain drain”. The government viewed the flow of
foreign exchange earnings with favor. But it is sad to note that the possible psycho social ill
effects on left behind children and husbands were totally neglected. When mother of
growing up children go to middle east for employment, the problems of care and protection
to the children arise. These children are thought to be in a disadvantageous position due to
the total absence of their mothers from homes. The general health status of these children is
thought to be lower than that of the children whose mothers live with them locally. A higher
incidence of illnesses and home accidents were reported among the children of the migrant
mothers. The worst affected health wise and emotionally is thought to be the under five
group. The educational activities of the school going aged children are also known to get
affected with a higher incidence of neglect and poor performance in class, keeping away
from school and dropping out of school early among these children compared to the children
whose mother live locally. Even the psycho social implications on the left behind husbands
are also known
