Live-in care workers for older persons: navigating the challenges of transnational migration

This article explores how live-in migrant care workers for older persons in Belgium navigate the challenges of transnational migration. Based on 15 interviews, four key aspects are discussed: distant parenting, achieving recognition, securing social support and coping with precarious conditions. Driven by supporting their families, these workers face emotional and physical challenges and have limited bargaining power. However, the value they see in their work is constructed transnationally, with initial negative perceptions shifting as they recognise their contributions to their families. The study advocates for fair remuneration and stronger labour protections to address the power imbalances shaping their work and lives.