This paper explores the possibility of utilizing overseas employment as a strategy for economic growth and development. It argues that government has long been merely reactive to overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) plight, opting to institute policy adjustments and draft laws only in the event of controversial, publicized cases (e.g., the Flor Contemplacion case), rather than take the proactive stance by passing laws for OFWs’ protection and concurrently maximizing the potential of overseas employment as an economic catalyst. This paper suggests a policy shift from “managing” the flow of labor migration to “promoting” labor migration as a growth strategy.

It proceeds to enumerate the benefits of overseas employment to the country’s economy in general, and to OFWs’ families in particular such as the boost that remittances give to the GNP and the financial security it brings to workers’ families. Moreover, the labor demand is ever increasing as more countries around the globe are opening their doors to skilled workers and professionals. The General Agreement on Trade in Services under the World Trade Organization even provides a larger arena for a wider scope of negotiations in services, including inter-corporate transfer of employees and movement of natural persons across countries. This provision allows negotiations for better market access and better terms and conditions of employment for OFWs.

In recommending a policy shift, the paper advices that government go one step further by providing those who wish to work abroad the necessary protection they deserve, empowering workers with education and training geared toward meeting the global labor demand for human resources, and strengthening the overseas employment industry and structures.