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The Livelihood of Chinese Migrants in Timor-Leste

Author

Listed:
  • Ajito Fernandes

    (Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Satya Wacana Cristian University, Salatiga 50711, Indonesia)

  • Titi Susilowati Prabawa

    (Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Satya Wacana Cristian University, Salatiga 50711, Indonesia)

  • Wilson M. A. Therik

    (Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Satya Wacana Cristian University, Salatiga 50711, Indonesia)

Abstract

This article aims to describe, in depth, the experiences of migrant workers from China in maintaining their livelihoods in Timor-Leste through entrepreneurial activities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study discusses sustainable livelihoods with the knowledge of migration, adaptation, and entrepreneurship in Timor-Leste. To fulfill these aims, a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach was adopted by interviewing eight Chinese migrants who run businesses in Timor-Leste. Furthermore, the framework for the concept of sustainable livelihoods of the Department for International Development (DFID) was adapted to explain, in depth, the phenomena. The finding reveals that economic reasons encourage and attract Chinese migrant workers and entrepreneurs to Timor-Leste. The adaptation process of migrants in Timor-Leste relies on social capital to synergize with local communities in terms of culture, further affecting the comfort and security of entrepreneurship. From the perspective of sustainable livelihoods, migrant workers take advantage of human capital in the process of accumulation of financial capital to enhance their business activities. Meanwhile, migrant entrepreneurship expands their financial capital and human capital into social capital, physical capital, and natural capital. The findings also explain that the mobility and access to financial capital of Chinese migrants are supported through institutional structures, entrepreneurship activities, and policies. Furthermore, to ensure livelihood sustainability and business, Chinese migrants in Timor-Leste can carry out business intensification, extensification, diversification, and transformation strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ajito Fernandes & Titi Susilowati Prabawa & Wilson M. A. Therik, 2022. "The Livelihood of Chinese Migrants in Timor-Leste," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:4:p:157-:d:785035
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ilse Blignault & Vince Ponzio & Ye Rong & Maurice Eisenbruch, 2008. "A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Mental Health Services Utilisation Among Migrants From Mainland China in South-East Sydney," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 54(2), pages 180-190, March.
    2. Miranda Cahn, 2008. "Indigenous entrepreneurship, culture and micro-enterprise in the Pacific Islands: case studies from Samoa," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 1-18, January.
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