By Fr Jun Perez SVD
The movement of people from one place to another is not something new that has occurred only in our life time. It happened already thousands of years ago for apparent reasons. It became a global concern because the world we are living in became a global village due to the rapid movement in our midst.
A conference on seasonal workers/migrant workers which I attended recently presented the reality on the ground regarding the situation they are facing. All the stakeholders are responsible for the success in their temporary sojourn in a foreign land.
The sending country has the responsibility to give a comprehensive pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) in order that the workforce they are “exporting” can match the skills that are required. The PDOS is an avenue to present the Do’s and Don’ts in the country where they will render their services, what to expect and what to do in case they are seeking assistance. It is a must to every individual to take it to heart because these people will be strangers in a land that is new to them.
The receiving country, on the other hand, has the responsibility to give a comprehensive post-arrival orientation seminar (PAOS) for them. In this way, they become aware of the reality they will face in the field; their expectations and the expectations of their would-be employers. The Mutual Understanding of Agreement must be respected. It is a two-way process of give and take relationship.
The local community where the seasonal/migrant workers receive their accommodation has a role to play. Is the community a “welcoming community” to them? In doing so, the seasonal-migrant workers feel at home – a home away from home. They become members of the community where they can share their talent, treasure and time in a limited period of time. The experiences they will gain, the people they will meet and interact with will broaden their perspective about life in a foreign land even though it is difficult for them to do so.
One of the most evident effects in the life of the seasonal/migrant workers is to be separated from their family. They have to embrace the pain of separation. When loneliness strikes, they have to bear it and sometimes even to question the purpose why they are here, away from their loved ones. At home, everyone is also longing for their presence. It is a choice of being together or for a better and greener pasture on the other side of the fence.
A compelling reason for them to work in a foreign land is because of financial gain. They want to give their family back home a better future, a better house, savings in the bank, to have business capital, better education for their children, to cut the chain of poverty, and a good opportunity where they can have better compensation. In doing so, they can change the economic landscape of the sending country through their remittances. On the other side, the receiving country augments the shortage of their own labour force. Their contribution in the economic portfolio must be appreciated and recognised even though they meet a dozen challenges in their work place and in their everyday life away from their own family.
Language is the basic tool to communicate with but sometimes it also serves as a barrier, especially if it is not a language familiar to them. It becomes a deterrent to express themselves and it is difficult to the other party to understand. Then, misunderstanding may arise. It is also important to the employer understands that their workforce are foreigners.
To adapt to a new culture becomes a challenge, too. The things that are familiar to them become unfamiliar. Simple gestures have a different meaning which sometimes they are not aware of. It takes time to adjust to a new environment and new culture. But the sad thing is when they become accustomed to it, their working contract is ending. That is why, while they are still in the transitional stage, the Church can contribute to their well-being and upkeep.
Pastoral care for them is really important. The Church can serve as a bridge, as a support system in their midst. The faith they bring can enliven the Church where they can profess their belief. Despite all the challenges, they can anchor themselves to the source of their strength. Their presence mirrors the universality of the Church; spoken in different languages, presented in different cultures but believing in one God. Pastoral care for the seasonal/migrant workers must be strengthened and integrated in the community so that they will have the avenue of the sacred.
The success of the seasonal/migrant workers depends on all the stakeholders on the board: the seasonal/migrant workers themselves, their families back home, the sending country, the receiving country, their working conditions, the community where they belong, and the Church. Through a combined effort, their aspirations in life will be achieved.
PHOTO: Seasonal/migrant workers enjoying a shared lunch with the Port Augusta Parish in South Australia. (Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office via Pathways, CRA)