What a policy restricting mothers' overseas migration in Sri Lanka means for children's health and education

International labor migration plays a vital role in supporting families across low- and middle-income countries, often providing a critical source of income for families back home. However, when mothers migrate abroad for work, young children may be left without steady parental care during important developmental stages. While this concern is widely discussed, there has been limited real-world evidence showing how policies that restrict maternal migration affect children's outcomes.