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2.6. Limitations
such interviews, the researchers came across such individuals who had not sought support from any of the relevant authorities, raising concerns on the role of the researcher as an external individual, speaking to such individuals on the basis of gathering data. In such instances, the team was asked to provide basic information on how the interviewees could access help especially regarding the support of medical personnel.
On the other hand, as noted in the observations section of certain interview transcripts, the way in which the questions were posed appears to have helped throw light on the importance of asking for more information from sub-agents and recruitment agents on working and living conditions. Some of the interviewees also challenged the research team’s ‘right’ to ask for information for ‘free’, whereas others probed the researchers on the nature of the study in order to gather better information on how to migrate overseas, thus positioning the researchers as a source of information. Such situations were handled with sensitivity especially since information sources on safe migration should come from established sources such as the Foreign Employment Development Officer (FEDO) and the SLBFE, rather than a research team.
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2.6. Limitations
Since the study was exploratory in nature, the sampling method was not representative and therefore, the findings cannot be generalised. This is a general concern raised by other researchers as well in conducting studies on trafficking/forced labour (Surtees, 2014; Tyldum, 2010). However, the data gathered is rich in content and provides a more nuanced view on the experiences of the migrant workers.
At the same time, there were concerns regarding the narratives of the interviewees being diluted in the data coding phase, especially where men and women do not share information in a linear manner and where they have migrated multiple times and have encountered different experiences. Hence, attempting to draw ‘number-driven’ conclusions is not afforded in this methodology.
