Asian and Pacific Migration Journal

Hof, Helena; Muranaka, Aimi; Park, Joohyun Justine

doi: 10.1177/01171968241292376pmid: N/A

This paper uses social anchoring to emphasize the psychological dimension of foreign professionals’ access to employment in South Korea and Japan. South Korea’s “occupation-centered” employment system provides relatively easy access to migrants in high-tech fields. However, migrants outside such fields face psychological insecurity because of stringent visa regulations and limited job opportunities. In contrast, migrants in Japan’s “organization-centered” employment system have easier access to stable employment, but only if they conform to Japanese homogenizing business norms. In sum, highly skilled migrants may not foresee a promising future in either country given the elusiveness of socio-psychological security.

Zhu, Jinsheng (Jason); Liu, Zitao; Shen, Xiaoping

doi: 10.1177/01171968241297445pmid: N/A

This study examines the growing trend of Chinese guardian mothers relocating to Chiang Mai, Thailand, for their children’s early childhood education. Through semi-structured interviews conducted from January 2019 to June 2023, involving 18 Chinese guardian mothers in Chiang Mai, the findings reveal three main factors. China’s increasing national prosperity has fueled a desire for early childhood education in globalized settings with English-medium instruction. Thailand’s migrant-friendly environment and cultural diversity contribute to its appeal as a destination. The mothers adopt a unique approach, combining their Chinese identity with intercultural dynamics.

Nguyen, Tu Anh Thi

doi: 10.1177/01171968241298314pmid: N/A

Diaspora and transnationalism have been known to be intertwiningly related. Compared to the transnational connectivity of the Vietnamese diaspora residing in the West, the ones conducted by those living in Thailand have not yet received sufficient attention. The study seeks to investigate the trans-border connections of Vietnamese-Thais from when they held refugee status to the present day when Thai citizenship was granted, and to analyze differences in transnational making between the second and third diaspora generations. In-depth interviews, participant observation and document research were utilized. The findings reveal that being labeled as a refugee limited the transnationality of the Vietnamese diaspora and distanced nationalism from their homeland. In contrast, possessing the host country’s citizenship facilitates community engagement in multiple trans-border ties with both their home country and other Vietnamese diaspora groups settling around the world. Unlike the second-generation parents, the third generation did not experience a far-distanced nationalism with their ancestral country. Contemporarily, the third generation enjoys transnationality like their second-generation parents, but in a more “trendy” way.

Opiniano, Jeremaiah M.; Ang, Alvin P.

doi: 10.1177/01171968241288259pmid: N/A

This paper analyzed the potential of remittances in developing the rural hometowns of migrants and their families. Researchers employed a mixed methods tool, the Remittance Investment Climate Analysis in Rural Hometowns (RICART), for over eight years in six municipalities in the Philippines. We found that there is no common trend among municipalities that combining a sound investment climate, an ample number of financial institutions, high levels of residents’ financial literacy and an active program for migrants and their families all ensure remittances-induced hometown investing. Improving rural residents’ financial knowledge and instituting investment climate reforms may help direct remittances to local development.

Thinh, Mai Phuc

doi: 10.1177/01171968241292084pmid: N/A

This study delves into the heightened dynamics of homeland attachment within the Karen diaspora following the 2021 Myanmar military coup. It examines how this critical event has catalyzed a stronger sense of belonging and identity among the displaced Karen people across global diasporic communities. Drawing on qualitative data, this research highlights the intensified connection to their homeland that the Karen diaspora maintains, despite geographical separation and the transformative impact of resettlement. The concept of “homeland” for the Karen goes beyond physical borders, encompassing the shared experiences and narratives fostered within refugee camps and passed down through generations. This paper discusses how post-coup displacement has reshaped identity and how notions of home are re-envisioned within the diaspora’s collective memory and cultural practices. It demonstrates that homeland attachment is a complex mosaic of collective memories, cultural practices and a persistent sense of belonging that transcends boundaries. By exploring the transnational identities of the Karen diaspora post-coup, this work provides insights into the mechanisms by which displaced communities maintain their cultural uniqueness and affirm their belonging in a globalized world. The findings present a nuanced view of the dual challenges of assimilation and cultural retention, offering a deeper understanding of the strategies the Karen diaspora employs to preserve their identity in the face of these forces.

Tseng, Ampere A.

doi: 10.1177/01171968241289231pmid: N/A

This article presents a reflective microcosm to faithfully echo the intricate history of Chinese immigration in Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on two migration waves that occurred during the Malacca Sultanate and colonial eras. It meticulously examines the underlying causes, defining the characteristics, patterns and quantities of each immigration wave by drawing upon historical documents, tombstone inscriptions and demographic data. In a significant departure from conventional wisdom, this study challenges the prevailing notion that Chinese immigrants were overwhelmingly male, shedding light on the fact that the initial wave featured a higher proportion of females. Moreover, the analysis illuminates the intricate interplay between local colonial policies and the external factors emanating from China, demonstrating their profound influence on migration patterns and quantities. The present quantitative study offers fresh insights into the multifaceted experiences of Chinese immigrants in Peninsular Malaysia. It underscores the key findings while bringing attention to the associated complexities and nuances.

Zulueta, Johanna O.

doi: 10.1177/01171968241288256pmid: N/A

This paper looks at older Filipino female migrants in Malaysia. Based on semi-structured interviews and FGDs I conducted in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya from February to March 2018 and in August 2018, I found that women’s experiences of aging are linked to gender, social class and societal expectations of their familial roles. For them, family obligations as breadwinners meant working as domestic workers in Malaysia even way into their older years. While old age is not a hindrance to them to perform transnational care toward their left-behind families, tensions and ambivalence are present within their intergenerational relationships.