Rationalizing Migration Decisions

A K M Ahsan Ullah, a development and human mobility specialist is Associate Director and Assistant Professor at the Center for Migration and Refugee Studies, American University in Cairo. His selected works appear at International Migration, Asian and Pacific Migration Journal and Routledge.

• Part I Setting the Scene; Chapter 1 Introduction: Migration as a Twenty-First Century Issue; Chapter 2 Theoretical and Methodological Considerations; Chapter 3 Socio-Economic and Demographic Profiles; Part II The Migration Process; Chapter 4 Networks and Routes Used to Get to Destinations; Chapter 5 The Finance and the Costs of Migration; Part III Rationalizing Post-Migration Decisions; Chapter 6 Working and Living Conditions in the Host Countries; Chapter 7 The Dynamics of Income and Remittance; Chapter 8 Rationalization and the Implications;

'Migration for work is globally important and growing rapidly. The workers who are the subjects of this fascinating book are amongst the most vulnerable and precarious of migrant workers. Grounded in intensive fieldwork with Bangladeshi migrants in Hong Kong and Malaysia, Dr. Ullah’s study allows the reader a remarkable insight into the hopes, decisions and struggles of migrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families.' Kevin Hewison, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA 'The book reveals the complex web of factors and forces that are at work among Bangladeshis migrating to Malaysia and Hong Kong. It suggests that what results to "successful" migratory outcomes are primarily due to dysfunctional market and governmental mechanisms. With his in-depth knowledge in migratory processes between South and East Asia, Dr. Ullah provides valuable insights for migration policy makers and practitioners.' Md. Shahidul Haque, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East, Formerly IOM Regional Representative for South Asia 'Migrations to destinations in East Asia are emerging to rival flows to Europe and other parts of the developed world. This study of labour migration from Bangladesh to Hong Kong and Malaysia provides fresh insight into the mechanics of the process as well as into the goals and hopes of the migrants.' Ronald Skeldon, University of Sussex, UK 'Rationalizing Migration Decisions is a timely book on an important topic that has received less attention in migration research than it deserves. Using Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia and Hong Kong as the empirical case material, it asks why do migrants stay overseas even when their dreams of a better life are not fulfilled.' Nordic Journal of Migration Research