Seminar Series: Abstract

Actors and Outcomes in Philippine Migration Policy Making
Nathan Blank

This pre-fieldwork seminar will present for discussion the aims of this research along with relevant literature and methodological approaches.
Each year close to a million Filipinos go abroad to fill positions throughout Asia and the Middle East, sending remittances to support their families at home. Studies have shown the value of remittances in the Philippines at around ten percent of annual GDP. Whether by default or through active planning, overseas worker migration has emerged as the primary strategy for economic development. Although research has been conducted on overseas migration policy as it relates to worker welfare, no significant research has been conducted relating migration policy and development. Even more importantly, very little research has been conducted as to the feasibility of out-migration as a development strategy. The dubious nature of the Philippine government’s singular reliance on sending workers abroad to grow the economy at home has no successful precedent in the history of the economic development of states. 'Actors and Outcomes in Philippine Overseas Worker Migration Policy Making' is a project which seeks to better understand key processes and 'actor' roles in the development and implementation of Philippine overseas migrant worker policy. These policies deal specifically with a high number of Filipino workers pursuing employment opportunities outside the Philippines. In addition to government and bureaucratic involvement this project will explore the wider influences shaping Philippines overseas labour migration policy, particularly those operating outside the national government, such as overseas migrant worker activism, NGO sector pressure and provincial and local government actions.< /p>