ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 highlights how unnecessarily restrictive features of temporary labour migration policies create conditions that interfere with the capacity of children and parents to maintain a transnational relationship. It argues that this limits children’s right under Art 10(2) to maintain direct and regular contact and personal relations with their parents if separated transnationally, as well as the enjoyment of their right under Art 5 to receive direction and guidance from their parents. It reveals the ease by which these interferences could be reduced through reasonable measures such as creating opportunities for more frequent return home visits for migrant workers; and simple, affordable and practical measures to support regular and frequent communication between migrant workers and their children. It argues that if parents are not supported to continue key elements of their parenting role during the period of separation, including providing direction and guidance to their children, then the child-parent relationship can break down even upon reunification.
