Nineteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

The migration patterns of Chinese seafarers to Singapore in the 1800s and 1900s are examined in this essay in chronological order, taking into account the events leading up to their departure, the factors influencing their migration, and their immediate post-disembarkation circumstances. The essay examines the reasons behind their migration and the difficulties they encountered by drawing on a variety of sources, including news articles and historical documents. A large portion of the information is gleaned from maps and old photos that provide a window into the migratory processes that the migrant workers encountered, exposing social, psychological, and existential issues that influenced the labour migration of the seafarers. This case study’s chain migration can be traced back to a chosen stream of migration established by Chinese dialect groups, revealing a culturally moulded preference. The chain migration found in this case study emphasises migrant workers’ long-term involvement in the city-state’s economy, as well as a culturally conditioned propensity for movement that extends to other members of the family. Family members of migrants endure social, emotional, and existential risks, emphasising the multidimensional impact of labour movement on communities. Understanding the historical migration paths of Chinese nationals to Singapore provides useful insights into the region’s interconnection of migration, culture, and economic development.