Social Work Interventions: Promoting wellbeing and sustainable living conditions for Migrant Workers in Mauritius

Authors

  • Sanjayduth Bhundhoo University of Technology Mauritius
  • Preeya Vijayalakshmee Coolen University of Technology Mauritius, Mauritius
  • Dr. Roslyn Fraser Stephen F. Austin State University, United States of America

Keywords:

Grounded Theory, Migrant workers, Migrant Social Workers, Social Work, Well-being.

Abstract

Mauritius has a long history of labour migration and has always been an integral part in the socio-economic development of the country. Over the years Mauritius has put in place robust legal framework and has signed several laws to protect and preserve the rights of migrant workers. However, despite all these legislations to protect migrant workers, still there are lot of challenges in terms of poor living conditions, marginalization and exploitation that are still prevalent in our country. This study explores the essence of social work practices and having migrant social workers in enhancing the social and environmental wellbeing in promoting the sustainable living conditions of migrant workers in Mauritius. Qualitative methodology approach using the Grounded Theory by using semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty migrant workers coming from different countries and working in different sectors. Five key themes emanated from the results as follows: (i) Living conditions, (ii) precarious working conditions, (iii) marginalization, (iv) limited access to social support and (iv) psychosocial problems. The study emphasized on the important role migrant social workers can have in terms of advocacy for policy reforms and fostering integration of the migrant workers within the society. Moreover, Social workers can help in addressing the difficulties that the migrant workers endure within their stay in our country.

Author Biographies

Sanjayduth Bhundhoo, University of Technology Mauritius

Mr Sanjayduth Bhundhoo is a lecturer in the field of Social Science at the University of Technology, Mauritius. He is presently pursuing his PhD at the University of Technology; Mauritius and his research focuses on promoting the wellbeing of migrant workers in Mauritius. Mr Sanjayduth Bhundhoo area of research is mostly in the field of sustainable migration, drugs and substance abuse and social development. Before joining the Academia, Mr Sanjayduth Bhundhoo was a professional Social Worker working both for the Government and NGOs. He has been actively involved in many social projects related both a local and international level. He has been selected for the prestigious Hubert H Humphrey Scholarship 2024-2025 to specialize in the field of Drugs and Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Preeya Vijayalakshmee Coolen, University of Technology Mauritius, Mauritius

Dr Preeya Vijayalakshmee Coolen is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology, Mauritius. She holds an engineering degree in Electrical Engineering and did her PhD at the University of Technology, Mauritius. Her area of expertise are: Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Accounting, Waste Management, Climate Change. She has over fifteen years of Teaching Experience at both Undergraduate and Post Graduate levels. Over and above, she has been Adjunct Professor at Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research, India. She has been Chairperson and member of Undergraduate & Post Graduate Dissertation Committees, Academic Council, School Board & Research Degree Committee member, Head of Department, Department of Environment, Science & Social Sustainability and Member of organizing committees of local and international conferences and workshops.

Dr. Roslyn Fraser, Stephen F. Austin State University, United States of America

Dr. Roslyn Fraser, associate professor of sociology in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Anthropology, Geography and Sociology, has been named Fulbright Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year. Dr Fraser is a sociologist curious about the connections between economic development and the worlds of gender, race, and work. Her research examines the various consequences of macro level social changes like development, globalization, immigration, and state policies. As a teacher-scholar at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, she has several publications and research conducted in Bangladesh and Mauritius.

References

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Published

2024-12-21

How to Cite

Bhundhoo, S., Preeya Vijayalakshmee Coolen, & Dr. Roslyn Fraser. (2024). Social Work Interventions: Promoting wellbeing and sustainable living conditions for Migrant Workers in Mauritius. International Research Journal of Scientific Studies, 1(3), 8–17. Retrieved from https://irjss.com/index.php/j/article/view/16

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2024): December

Section

Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2024 Sanjayduth Bhundhoo, Preeya Vijayalakshmee Coolen, Dr. Roslyn Fraser

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