Burdened by expectations: Silent struggles of migrant workers

The weight of fulfilling the desires and aspirations of family members back home often falls on the shoulders of young individuals who travel abroad for education. 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, shared his insights on the issue in an interview with Kun.uz, stating, “We are stifling the potential of our youth with the pursuit of houses, weddings, and cars.”

“Every Uzbek migrant carries a burden”

Bahodir Iskandarov believes that the phenomenon of young people becoming victims of familial luxury demands is widespread not only in Japan but among Uzbek migrants worldwide. He recounted the story of a young woman in Japan who found herself trapped in financial difficulties despite working for an international company.

“Unofficial data suggests that around 10,000 Uzbeks live in Japan today. Most know each other and are aware of each other’s personal circumstances.

One young woman I know, who came to Japan as a student and now works at a global company, once broke down in tears asking for a loan. Financially, she was in a position to lend money rather than borrow it, having lived in Japan for 10 years with a stable job. She confessed, ‘I’ve fallen into this situation because of my mother’s desires and aspirations. I can’t even afford to pay my own rent. This is not just my problem — many children endure similar pressures to avoid disappointing their families.’

Living and studying in Japan is no easy feat. Yet, young men and women feel pressured not only to cover their own expenses but also to project an image of wealth to their families back in Uzbekistan.

This woman, from a middle-class family, began working during her student years to renovate her family’s house. Later, she gifted her father a car. Now over 30, she remains unmarried, dedicating her resources to improving her family’s financial situation. Her marriage plans are delayed due to fears of being unable to support her family. Meanwhile, her younger sisters married before her, and her family sees her primarily as a financial provider — a sentiment her mother openly expressed.

Despite her stable job, the woman had to take on additional work at night to meet her family’s demands. The breaking point came when her mother requested that she replace their Chevrolet Cobalt with a Malibu.”

“We are destroying potential with materialistic obsessions”

When Iskandarov shared the woman’s story on social media, comments poured in from others with similar experiences. One individual wrote, “I feel envious of international students who can focus solely on their studies in libraries. I wish I could do the same.”

Another particularly heartbreaking comment came from a young man: “I spent eight years abroad to pay for my brothers’ weddings and buy them houses, only to lose a leg in the process. When I returned to Uzbekistan, I realized I was of no use to anyone. I wouldn’t wish my current situation on my worst enemy.”

Iskandarov, who has employed over 300 Uzbeks in Japan, noted that 99% of them came with similar burdens. “Our people have immense potential, sometimes even greater than the Japanese. Yet we waste this potential chasing materialistic obsessions like houses, weddings, and cars,” he said.

He also pointed to research conducted on the obsession with luxury in various cultures. “In less affluent countries, the desire for luxury is alarmingly high. For instance, women in remote villages of Budapest and India are particularly fond of gold jewelry. In contrast, developed nations prioritize comfort — people prefer a small, well-equipped apartment over a two-story house.”

A call for understanding

Iskandarov urged families to understand the emotional and financial pressures faced by their loved ones abroad. He emphasized the importance of supporting and reducing the psychological burden on young people who are pursuing education or working overseas, enabling them to focus on building a better future for themselves and their families.