Migrant Labor in the Filipino Perspective

The paper is based on the results of a national survey on overseas Filipino workers conducted by the Social Weather Station.  It reports on the perceived dangers to migrant labor, specifically domestic helpers and entertainers; the public perception on the limitations imposed by some receiving countries; and actions that government should undertake to address the problems of Filipino expatriates.

Prevailing views of Filipinos on the dangers of overseas employment and on deployment bans are reported across locations, socio-economic classes, age groupings, and other related variables.  The study notes that although the public views overseas employment as hazardous for Filipinos, the respondents still prefer the Philippine government to allow Filipino workers to work abroad despite the restrictions imposed upon them and the risks involved.  The perceived risk is much higher for entertainers compared with domestic helpers.  Thus, the public feels that the former should be banned, while the latter should continue to be allowed to work abroad.