Invisible Battles: The Unseen Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers
Title: The Burden of Family Expectations on Young Uzbek Migrants Abroad
Many young individuals from Uzbekistan who travel abroad for education face the weight of fulfilling the desires and aspirations of their families back home. Not only are they expected to sustain themselves, but many also feel obligated to send money home, diverting their focus from their primary goal — education. Sociologist Bahodir Iskandarov, based in Japan, shed light on this issue in an interview with Kun.uz, expressing concern over the potential being stifled by familial demands for houses, weddings, and cars.
Iskandarov highlighted the widespread phenomenon of young Uzbek migrants worldwide falling victim to familial luxury demands. He recounted the story of a young woman in Japan who, despite working for an international company, found herself in financial difficulties due to pressures from her family in Uzbekistan. Many Uzbek migrants in Japan are familiar with each other’s personal circumstances, with around 10,000 Uzbeks estimated to be living in Japan today.
The story of the young woman in Japan reflects the struggles faced by many young Uzbeks abroad. Despite the challenges of living and studying in a new country, these individuals feel pressured not only to cover their own expenses but also to meet their families’ expectations of wealth and success. Iskandarov emphasized the importance of understanding the emotional and financial pressures faced by young people abroad, calling for families to support and reduce the burden on their loved ones pursuing education or working overseas.
The issue of materialistic obsessions taking precedence over personal potential was highlighted by Iskandarov, who pointed to the detrimental impact of chasing luxury on individuals’ well-being and future prospects. He shared stories of young migrants sacrificing their own well-being and goals to meet their families’ demands, urging a shift towards prioritizing support and understanding for those striving to build a better future for themselves and their families.
