Precarious and Positive Inclusion in Asian Transnational Labour Migration: Multi-sited Research of Nepali Migrant Workers in Japan and Malaysia

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K13709
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 08010:Sociology-related
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: Sunam Ramesh 早稲田大学, 高等研究所, その他(招聘研究員) (30852719)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Labour migration / Precarity / Labour regime / Migrant workers / Livelihoods

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Drawing on multi-sited investigation of labor migration from Nepal to Japan and Malaysia, this project has generated nuanced, differentiated theoretical understandings of migrant precarity in Asia in the global context of
the rapid growth of precarious employment. In terms of research achievements, I published two peer-reviewed papers in leading international journals: Geoforum and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, and one book chapter. A big achievement is that I was
awarded a 2020 Waseda University Research Award (High-impact publication). I also gave an invited talk in the (virtual) Talk series: Japan’s Foreign Residents in the Age of COVID-19, organised by the Chuo University. Similarly, I presented papers at two conferences: the Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) conference (international) and The Japanese Association for South Asian Studies 34th Annual Conference (Domestic).

Free Research Field

International Migration

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

This project has generated nuanced theoretical understandings of migrant precarity, with scientific contributions reflected in articles published in leading international journals. Key research insights will inform regional and national migration policies for promoting safer migration.