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10. Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Female Migrant Workers in Central Vietnam: Exploring Risk, Vulnerability, and Pathways to Resilience
This chapter delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young female migrant workers in Central Vietnam, particularly those in the coastal areas of Thua Thien Hue Province. It examines their heightened vulnerability due to job losses, reduced income, and the psychological toll of the pandemic. The study reveals that these workers, often with low education levels and informal employment, faced significant challenges in securing stable jobs and maintaining their livelihoods. The chapter also explores the various coping strategies employed by these women, such as seeking new employment, borrowing money, and reducing spending on non-essential items. It highlights the importance of social networks and community support in helping them navigate these difficulties. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies to support the reintegration and economic stability of female migrant workers post-pandemic. The chapter concludes with recommendations for immediate and long-term support, including reintegration services, stable housing, food security, upskilling programs, and financial literacy initiatives. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of young female migrant workers in the face of unprecedented challenges.
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Abstract
This study examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young female migrant workers (aged 18–35) who returned to their hometowns in Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach—including surveys with 110 participants, in-depth interviews, and discussions with local authorities—the research reveals how these women faced multi-faceted challenges such as employment instability, discrimination, psychological distress, and limited access to opportunities due to limited education and skills. The pandemic significantly disrupted their livelihoods, particularly for self-employed workers, causing financial hardship and increased household stress. Despite these challenges, the majority of women expressed a desire to re-engage in migrant work for income generation. The study underscores the need for targeted post-pandemic policies that promote skill development, facilitate job placement, encourage social security enrollment, and raise awareness of financial literacy. Additionally, the research emphasizes the importance of providing accessible psychological support services to enhance the resilience among this vulnerable group.
10.1 Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic, although largely contained in Vietnam, has left a significant mark on the country’s social fabric, economy, and culture (United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], 2021). Studies conducted across Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and India, have highlighted the heightened vulnerability of women during the pandemic. Shouldering societal expectations around childcare and household responsibilities, women experienced elevated levels of anxiety compared to men (Azeez et al., 2021; Hung et al., 2021; Jasrotia & Meena, 2021, Wang et al., 2021). This dynamic is particularly relevant in the Vietnamese context, where women traditionally hold primary responsibility for both domestic duties and household finances.
The pandemic presented unique challenges for Vietnamese women, especially those employed as migrant workers far from their home communities. Female migrant workers have been identified as one of the most vulnerable groups during the pandemic, with many compelled to return to their hometowns due to job losses and pandemic-related disruptions (Aoun, 2020; Lee et al., 2020).
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The coastal areas of Thua Thien Hue Province depend heavily on marine resources, particularly aquaculture and fishing, for economic development. Women, especially those aged 18–35, play a critical role in the fisheries sector, often representing a higher proportion than men in related activities. However, this reliance on marine resources for their livelihoods makes women especially vulnerable to environmental crises and natural disasters, such as storms and the Formosa marine pollution incident in 2016. The Formosa disaster significantly reduced income in the fisheries sector and prompted many young women to seek employment outside their local communities to sustain livelihoods (Phương & Hồng, 2021; Truyền et al., 2019).
Moreover, coastal areas in Vietnam have a poverty rate of approximately 10% (Dung et al., 2023). These difficult economic conditions contribute to high dropout rates among rural children, with girls. Among youth aged 11–15, girls often leave school early at a much higher rate (57%) compared to boys (11%) to take on economic responsibilities (Dung et al., 2023). This economic burden often pushes young women into migration in search of stable employment. In addition to this are social barriers, limited arable land, and extreme climatic conditions, all of which create unstable local livelihood options.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thua Thien Hue experienced a major influx of returning migrant workers. More than 8,500 of these were women, and nearly 66% were aged 18–35 (Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Thua Thien Hue, 2021). Upon returning, many young women faced significant challenges in re-establishing livelihoods and reintegrating into their communities due to limited resources, as well as the psychological and economic impacts of the pandemic. These obstacles underscore the urgent need for targeted policies that support reintegration and promote sustainable livelihood development for female migrant workers.
This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment and income of young female migrant workers who returned to coastal communities in Thua Thien Hue. By focusing on this specific demographic, the study aims to provide insight into their challenges and contribute to policy development that enhances resilience and adaptability.
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Upon their return, these women encountered numerous challenges in securing new, stable employment opportunities (Nga, 2021). Insufficient education and limited vocational skills contributed to precarious employment conditions, often without social insurance or labor contracts (Hồng & Hoa, 2022; Jasrotia & Meena, 2021). In response, this research seeks to comprehensively examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment and income among young female returnees aged 18–35. The findings underscore the pressing need for the formulation and implementation of policies and support measures that address this group’s vulnerabilities. Key policy priorities include skills development, improved access to job placement networks, formal employment protections, awareness regarding the significance of financial savings, and essential psychological support.
10.2 Methodology
10.2.1 Study Site
The research was conducted in six coastal communes of Thua Thien Hue Province: Vinh Hung, Vinh Hien, Quang An, Quang Cong, Quang Ngan, and Hai Duong (Fig. 10.1). These areas were chosen based on several criteria. First, coastal communes in the province have among the highest rates of poverty nationally, with nearly 10% of households classified as poor in 2021. Second, these communes have high rates of labor outmigration, especially after the Formosa marine environmental disaster in 2016. Third, during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 21,500 migrant workers returned to Thua Thien Hue, of whom nearly 8,650 were female (Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Thua Thien Hue, 2021). Finally, preliminary in-depth interviews with provincial officials provided valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of returning migrant workers. For these reasons, the selected coastal communes were considered representative of the broader challenges faced by coastal communities in Vietnam.
Fig. 10.1
Location of the study sites.
Source Authors’ modification from Sen et al. (2023)
This study employed a survey to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers who returned to coastal communes. Data on returnees were sourced from local authorities and the Hue-S platform, a digital tool implemented during the pandemic to register returning migrants. Migrants were required to provide details such as their hometown, occupation, health status, and place of return, facilitating the construction of an accurate sampling frame.
A random sampling method was applied to select 110 female migrant workers aged 18–35 across the six communes. Sample selection was contingent on evolving pandemic conditions and local health regulations. If a selected participant was unable or unwilling to participate due to illness or quarantine, she was replaced by another individual on the registration list. The survey questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and information gathered through initial interviews with commune-level officials.
10.2.2.1 Data Analysis
The study employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, including mean values, standard deviations, and percentages. These statistics were used to explore variations in income and employment before and after the pandemic.
For a deeper understanding, the research further incorporated semi-structured interviews with five young female returnees and six local officials including representatives from the Women’s Union, Youth Union, and commune leadership. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, whereby interview responses were coded and grouped into thematic categories such as employment, income, adaptation, and support needs. These narratives were used in the results section to provide contextual depth and support the quantitative analysis (Table 10.1).
Table 10.1
Distribution of valid questionnaires across communes of Thua Thien Hue
Commune
District
No. of respondents
Male
Quang Cong
Quang Dien
18
Quang Ngan
Quang Dien
19
Quang An
Quang Dien
18
Vinh Hien
Phu Loc
19
Vinh Hung
Phu Loc
16
Hai Duong
Hue City
20
Total
110
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
10.3 Results
10.3.1 Characteristics of Young Female Migrant Workers
The research results highlight the demographic and occupational characteristics of young female migrant workers aged 18–35 years (Table 10.2). Despite their relatively young mean age of 28.6 years (SD = 6.4), participants reported an average of 8.5 years (SD = 3.5) of work experience away from home, underscoring their important role in supporting their families economically.
Table 10.2
Demographic and occupation characteristics of young female migrant workers (n = 110)
Variable
Mean (±SD)
Frequency (%)
Age (years)
28.6 (6.4)
–
Years of migration experience
8.5 (3.5)
Education level
Primary school
–
2 (1.8%)
Secondary school
–
42 (38.2%)
High school
–
66 (60.0%)
Vocational training
Technical school
–
11 (10.0%)
Short training course
–
11 (10.0%)
College
–
11 (10.0%)
University
–
13 (11.8%)
No formal training
–
65 (59.1%)
Marital status
Single
–
46 (41.8%)
Married
–
65 (59.1%)
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
The results also show that a significant proportion of the participants only completed secondary school (38.2%). A majority (59.1%) lacked formal vocational training, and only 11.8% held university degrees. This educational profile influences their employment opportunities in migration destinations.
The marital status of migrant workers was also an important factor affecting young female workers’ decision to work away from home, with 59.1% of participants being married. Economic pressure and family responsibilities often necessitated their migration for work. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, resulting in a higher return rate among married female migrant workers (41.9%) compared to their single counterparts. Economic challenges such as reduced income, limited access to essential goods, rising living costs, and concerns about health risks for their children influenced their decision to return home. These findings are consistent with other studies on the impacts of the pandemic on women and girls (Hung et al., 2021; Jasrotia & Meena, 2021).
Research results show that young female migrant workers have a low level of education, and their ability to work away is also influenced by factors such as age, family economic needs, and marital status. Therefore, attention should also be paid to improving educational and vocational training opportunities for female migrant workers to enhance their career prospects. This contributes to stabilizing family life and improving economic stability for migrant women in the labor market.
10.3.2 Reasons for Migration Among Female Workers
Figure 10.2 shows that there are many motivations for migration among female workers. The primary factor being the lack of employment opportunities in their hometown (78.2%) and the pursuit of better income and career opportunities (76.9%). Additionally, environmental factors, such as natural disasters and droughts, influenced 30.5% of participants to migrate. In coastal areas which are heavily affected by natural disasters, it is particularly challenging to find stable jobs. A smaller proportion of female workers also cited aspiration for a modern life in the city and to ensure a better future for their children as reasons for migration.
Fig. 10.2
Reasons for migration among female workers. Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
Social networks played a role in facilitating migration, with 28.2% finding employment through referrals from friends. However, 5.7% lacked clear direction and heavily relied on family support due to inexperience in jobs searching.
Although there are many motivating factors, income and job opportunities remain the predominant drivers of migration. These findings suggest the need for policies that create local employment opportunities within their hometowns, helping them stabilize their lives and reduce the necessity for migration.
10.3.3 Employment Types of Young Female Migrant Workers
Employment among young female migrant workers varied based on their qualifications and skills (Table 10.3). The majority were employed in small businesses (34.8%) or were self-employed (26.2%), often in informal sectors without labor contracts or social insurance. A smaller proportion worked in joint venture companies (13.7%) or international companies (4.2%), positions that consistently include better benefits and job security.
Table 10.3
Employment types among young female migrant workers
Employment type
Frequency (%)
Small business employees
34.8
Self-employed
26.2
Joint venture company workers
13.7
Massage and beauty salon workers
8.8
Restaurant workers
5.7
Childcare workers
4.5
International company workers
4.2
Construction workers
0.5
Transportation services
0.5
Other
1.1
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
The results show that a significant proportion (24.3%) of workers engaged in freelance work. These are “sidewalk economy” jobs, which are unstable and lacking in social protection, they include street vending, scrap collection, domestic work, and construction. Although these jobs are low-skilled and do not require expertise, they are easily accessible in large cities. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this group of workers became especially vulnerable due to the nature of their work, which increased their exposure to infection and forced early cessation of work due to social distancing measures, delaying their return to work compared to other groups.
Other employment sectors included jobs in childcare (2.7%) and massage and beauty salons (8.8%) which were undertaken by female freelance migrant workers. This type of work is characterized by flexibility; most workers in these occupations can manage their time and organize their schedule. Sectors like transportation and loading/unloading have low participation, with only 0.5% involvement. This reflects that the jobs chosen by female migrant workers are often unstable and provide an average income.
10.3.4 Income Levels Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced migrant workers to face reduced working hours, layoffs, job losses, negatively impacting their quality of life. Figure 10.3 shows that approximately 13.1% earned less than 3 million VND per month, and 18.5% earned between 3 and 5 million VND, typically through informal employment such as selling lottery tickets, domestic work, and restaurant service. Although their income is limited, the interviews show that the respondents are still able to cover basic living expenses in their place of residence. The largest group (42.0%) earned between 5 and 10 million VND, often employed in manufacturing sectors like textiles and electronics assembly. These jobs are suitable for those with a basic level of education and are easy to apply for. A smaller segment (4.0%) earned over 15 million VND per month. These workers are primarily in specialized fields such as software design, requiring high expertise and skills. The nature of this type of employment allowed them to work remotely during the pandemic, meaning they were less affected by social distancing measures. This highlights the important role of qualifications in accessing quality jobs, and affirms the need for policies to support improving the educational attainment of female migrant workers.
Fig. 10.3
Monthly income levels of female migrant workers before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
10.3.5 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Employment Status
Young female migrant workers seek not only stable income but also aim to support their families. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted their employment, with the degree of impact varying based on job type and educational level. As shown in Fig. 10.4, there are five primary job categories: factory workers, company employees, restaurant staff, self-employed workers, and other professions. Among these, self-employed workers, primarily involved in informal sectors, experienced the greatest setbacks, with up to 60.0% losing jobs and 23.5% taking unpaid leave due to prolonged social distancing measures. Without a steady income, many struggled to meet daily expenses, leading to a wave of return migration to their hometowns after months of unemployment.
Fig. 10.4
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Employment Status of Young Female Migrant Workers.
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
In contrast, workers in joint venture companies were less affected, mainly due to high skill requirements and protective employment contracts. The majority of this group only experienced a reduction in working hours (66%) or took short-term leave (15.8%), with opportunities to work remotely, minimizing the pandemic’s negative effects.
These findings also suggest that higher education and skill levels provide greater employment stability during crises. Jobs requiring higher qualifications experienced lower rates of job loss than other groups, emphasizing the importance of enhancing professional skills and labor rights awareness among female migrant workers.
10.3.6 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Income Levels
The COVID-19 pandemic led to substantial income reductions among of young female migrant workers, particularly those self-employed. Approximately, 46.3% of self-employed female migrant workers reported an income drop of 50–75%, and 10.1% experienced reductions exceeding 75%. Strict pandemic prevention measures severely restricted activities in sectors such as lottery vending, cosmetology, and hairdressing. The absence of social and health insurance further exacerbated financial stress, prompting many to return to their hometowns. Ms. T.T.O from Quang Cong commune shared, “When COVID-19 struck, everything changed. My husband lost his job as a bricklayer, and my shifts at the garment factory dwindled. We knew going back home was our only option.”
In contrast, the results in Fig. 10.5 show that 59.2% of workers in enterprises experienced a 25–50% income decline due to reduced overtime opportunities during quarantine. However, their income reductions were generally lower compared to those in self-employment, owing to long-term contracts, access to social insurance, and employer-provided support such as food provisions and rent assistance. This contrast in social benefits underscores the critical role of job type and educational level in income security, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Future support efforts should aim to improve professional skills, financial management awareness, and access to employment contracts to better protect young female migrant workers from income instability.
Fig. 10.5
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Income Levels of Young Female Migrant Workers.
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
10.3.7 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life of Young Female Migrant Workers
At the time of the study, the COVID-19 pandemic remained severe and unpredictable, particularly from late 2021 to May 2022. Therefore, in order to maintain life during this period, young female migrant workers made significant adjustments to their lifestyle to maintain their livelihoods under increasingly difficult circumstances (Table 10.3). The survey results showed that entertainment was the area where spending was cut the most, with 55.9% of respondents indicating significant cutbacks. The main reason given was the inability to access outside recreational activities, such as traveling, weddings, shopping, or outings with children, due to public health restrictions. Most participants expressed concern about economic uncertainty and minimized discretionary spending to mitigate potential financial risks during the pandemic.
However, many interviewees said that living in isolation, limiting outdoor activities, and having little social interaction had psychological and emotional repercussions. One participant from Quang Ngan shared: “Stuck in a cramped and dark motel room every day, with childcare and housework on my plate, I feel like I’m missing everything. It’s no wonder I’m irritable, stressed, and causing trouble for my husband and children.”
The result also showed that health-related spending became a priority for 42.3% of the respondents, purchasing COVID-19 test kits, antibacterial sprays, and medical masks. Meanwhile, 31.5% of the respondents did not reduce their food expenditure, even though they had to stockpile food reserves, despite the cost-of-living increasing. Due to unstable income, living expenses depended largely on the ability to save. In many cases workers had to borrow money to cover daily expenses, increasing their vulnerability to debt post-pandemic.
Furthermore, 10.8% of respondents reported cutting back on food expenses during extended lockdown periods. Additionally, 7.2% for great reduction and 8.1% much reduction of married female workers reduced spending on their children’s education, often due to the closure of schools and the need to invest in online learning technologies. School closures added burdens, increasing household expenses and necessitating additional investments in technology for online learning. The findings of this study align with those of Aoun (2022), who suggested a strong correlation between reduced educational spending and negative outcomes for students. This may help explain why married female migrant workers with school-age children were more likely to return home during the pandemic.
A respondent, Ms. H.V.A. from Quang Ngan, shared her experience: “With five in our family, both my husband and I could work full-time before the pandemic, making ends meet comfortably. But when COVID hit and schools closed, childcare became a challenge. Our income dropped as we took turns staying home with the kids. On top of that, unexpected expenses piled up – medicine, online learning equipment (which I had to borrow money for), and increased household costs with everyone at home. The strain became unbearable in the city, so we decided to return home for a more affordable living situation.”
This personal account illustrates the financial pressure and mental burden faced by married female migrant workers, especially those with children during school closures.
The results also provided a detailed breakdown of spending reductions across various sectors, offering valuable insights into the economic impacts of the pandemic for policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders aiming to support young female migrant workers effectively (Table 10.4).
Table 10.4
Spending reductions by sector among young female migrant workers (%)
Spending Reduction
Food
Education
Healthy
Entertainment
Reinvestment
No reduction
31.5
62.2
42.3
3.6
28.8
Very little reduction
9.9
12.6
11.7
3.6
6.3
Little reduction
42.3
9.9
20.7
2.7
17.1
Much reduction
5.4
8.1
12.6
34.2
24.3
Great reduction
10.8
7.2
12.6
55.9
23.4
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
10.3.8 Strategies for Female Migrant Workers to Adapt and Reintegrate After the COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to the severe impact of the pandemic, many female migrant workers lost their jobs and saw their incomes decrease, forcing them to adopt various coping strategies to survive. The study indicates that 57.1% of respondents opted to seek new employment opportunities, including temporary or informal work to secure a basic income source.
Additionally, 12.4% planned to borrow from relatives or friends, and 6.7% considered bank loans to cover living costs (although the rate of bank loans remained low due to a lack of collateral among most migrant workers).
Beyond immediate measures, female migrant workers sought long-term strategies to reduce costs. Approximately 22.8% relocated to more affordable housing, and 38.9% shifted consumption habits, turning to online shopping to reduce contact to the virus, reduce transportation expenses, and make more selective purchases.
The importance of financial planning and savings became increasingly clear during the pandemic. A significant majority—67.5%—recognized the importance of saving and preparing for unexpected events. Many chose to deposit money in savings accounts or participate in social and health insurance programs. One participant, Ms. N.T.L. from Hai Duong commune shared: “This pandemic is a wake-up call. Before, I didn’t think much about saving or insurance, but now I see that they’re truly essential for unforeseen situations.”
While these adaptations helped mitigate immediate challenges, they represent only temporary solutions. This study underscores the urgent need to develop long-term support policies that protect the rights of female migrant workers and help their economic security and social integration (Fig. 10.6).
Fig. 10.6
Adaptation strategies of female migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source Authors’ survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and employment of female migrant workers
The study found that young age and low educational attainment characterize the majority of female migrant workers. A significant portion (67.0%) lack social insurance, indicating that many do not hold stable jobs or long-term labor contracts—which increased their risk of job loss during the pandemic. Notably, married female migrants outnumbered single migrants. These findings are consistent with other domestic studies (Hương & Giang, 2021), which highlight a trend of women migrating at younger ages, with an average age of 34. This shift reflects a change in the roles and responsibilities of women, who are now participating in remote labor markets, signaling a transformation in gender roles as women assume dual responsibilities: contributing economically while sending remittances home.
However, female migrant workers also face significant pressure to balance work and family responsibilities. This result reinforces earlier findings from previous research that highlight their crucial role in financially supporting their families in rural areas (Tran et al., 2021).
Moreover, the study underscores that economic motivation is a key factor driver of migration. Participants cited the pursuit of better job opportunities and income, particularly when employment is scarce in their hometowns, as reasons for leaving. Female migrant workers are aware that migration offers opportunities for personal development in the vibrant environments of major cities. As a result, they actively seek employment through connections with friends and relatives, which helps them build informal social networks that can mitigate work-related risks. However, the reality is that these are often limited in size and scope, offering only partial protection against labor market vulnerabilities. These findings corroborate other domestic studies (Hương & Giang, 2021), which indicate that migrant workers frequently travel in small social groups. As such, strengthening these informal networks through administrative and policy support is essential for facilitating access to employment, resources, and social services during challenging times.
The study reveals that the income of female migrant workers prior to the pandemic was stable, ranging from 3 to 15 million VND per month (approximately 150–500 USD), enabling them to cover their living expenses and send remittances regularly. These women served as both the economic backbone of their families, and bear responsibility for their households back home, which creates significant financial pressures, particularly on younger female migrant workers. The findings support Le Phuong Hoa’s (2021) research, which highlights that female migrant workers primarily act as the main economic providers for their households. Moreover, the study indicated that women who sent remittances home to invest in production tended to have higher and more stable incomes. Their accumulated knowledge and acquired skills contributed to the development of sustainable livelihood strategies in their hometowns. This underscores the importance of education and skills training in determining both the types of jobs female migrant workers engage in and their spending behavior, suggesting a need for policies that enhanced professional competencies for female migrant workers.
Additionally, the research indicates that migrant workers with lower educational attainment or those engaged in self-employment were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, compared to their counterparts with higher education and who work for formal sectors such as foreign-owned companies or large enterprises. These findings align with Mai (2021), which indicated that the type of occupational significantly influenced the pandemic’s impact, with freelancers experiencing greater income reductions.
The findings indicated that female migrant workers had to reduce their spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in areas such as food, health care, and education. In particular, married female migrant workers faced significant challenges in ensuring food security for their young children and maintaining adequate nutrition for their families. This trend mirrors findings from studies in South Asia, Indonesia, and Africa, which also reported rising malnutrition rates linked to pandemic-related income loss and social distancing measures (Kurtz et al., 2021; Octavia & Rachmalina, 2022).
Reductions in educational expenses were also alarming. Children of female migrant workers employed in low-income factories or informal jobs faced increased risk of school dropouts and household responsibilities, which could entrench intergenerational inequality. These results corroborate previous research that indicated widespread reductions in expenditures on food, health care, and education (Phương Le Lan, 2021). The study also revealed that young female migrant workers, particularly the self-employed, had to seek new job opportunities to secure their families’ income, highlighting the instability of work arrangements in migration destinations.
Nevertheless, in the challenging context of the pandemic, female migrant workers reported receiving support from family, relatives, and friends, reflecting the traditional Vietnamese cultural practice of “the strong leaves cover the torn leaves,” where community members help each other during difficult times. The conclusions of this study further affirm similar findings in domestic research, which show that migrant workers consistently receive assistance from relatives, family, and local authorities (Mai, 2021; Sen et al., 2023).
10.5 Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on young female migrant workers, influencing their income, employment, overall quality of life, and psychological well-being. Variations in the extent of this impact were observed across different occupations and job types. Workers engaged in freelance jobs, restaurants, agencies, and small shops were particularly vulnerable, especially those without social insurance or stable contracts. Conversely, those with higher education and employment in joint ventures, factories, and enterprises were better able to maintain financial and psychological stability.
Concerns about food security, disease prevention, and the safety of their families were compounded by fear of social isolation, and stigma upon returning from pandemic-affected areas. To address these challenges, there is a need for immediate and long-term support:
Immediate priorities include reintegration services, stable housing, and food security (especially for families with children). Communication efforts should focus on raising awareness, reducing stigma against returnees, and promoting pandemic resilience. Long-term strategies should prioritize upskilling programs, access to technology, and local employment services to help retain the female migrant workforce. Additionally, financial literacy initiatives would be essential to empower these women, mitigate future risks, and improve their economic resilience.
This study was conducted during the pandemic, which imposed several methodological limitations. Travel restrictions meant researchers were only able to reach communes in the ‘green zone,’ resulting in the exclusion of many ‘red zone’ communes. As a result, data from many returnee migrant workers in highly affected areas were not captured. Additionally, the study did not consider the households of return migrants, which could provide valuable insights into both the short- and long-term intentions of migrant workers and their families in the post-pandemic period. Future research should explore these perspectives to address existing knowledge gaps.
Acknowledgements
This research forms a crucial component of a doctoral thesis and adheres to the guidelines set forth by the University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University. The authors express their appreciation for the financial support received from the Hue University project, ID: DHH2023-02-172.
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.
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Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Female Migrant Workers in Central Vietnam: Exploring Risk, Vulnerability, and Pathways to Resilience
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