KASAMA Vol. 22 No. 4 / October-November-December 2008 / Solidarity Philippines Australia Network

 

For more than three decades, the Philippines has witnessed the migration of hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to take up work in other countries. While there are economic benefits from overseas employment, there are attendant social costs such as the abuse, maltreatment, and discrimination of Filipino migrant workers and the psycho–social impacts of the separation of family members.

In view of President Gloria Macapagal–Arroyo’s commitment to “good governance,” we, the members of the Philippine Migrants’ Rights Watch, call on the Macapagal–Arroyo administration to define its policy and outline its programs to promote the protection and empowerment of the migrant sector. Towards this end, we strongly recommend the Administration to consider the following areas for action:

Issue #1: "Buyer's Remorse" on Immigration Policy
The current economic downturn has made many destination countries cautious about welcoming permanent migrants, with some expressing the policy equivalent of buyer's remorse: paying too high a price for something no longer desired.

Issue #2: The Recession–Proof Race for Highly Skilled Migrants
Gloomy economic forecasts do not seem to have slowed the hunt for highly skilled migrants or foreign students — the best near–term solution to fill shortages and enhance competitiveness.

Issue #3: Remittance Patterns in Flux
Remittances to developing countries have steadily climbed, but the economic crises this year raise the question of how those countries will fare with the United States and Europe in recession.

Issue #4: Immigration Ultimately Not an Issue in the 2008 Election
The subject of immigration was almost nonexistent in the general–election contest between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain though both candidates sought the Latino vote.

Issue #5: Xenophobia Rising
Unfortunately, 2008 brought a new wave of xenophobia, most notably in South Africa and Italy.

Issue #6: Return Migration: Changing Directions?
Due to changing economic circumstances, the prospect of return migration has gained currency in immigrant–receiving states around the world.

Issue #7: Demography and Migration Flows: Do Shrinking Populations Mean More Migrants?
Policymakers in developed countries are beginning to take the increasingly stark demographic landscape more seriously. One solution on the table: immigration.

Issue #8: Building Border Fences
Although far from foolproof in deterring would–be migrants, border fencing remained a priority for many countries in 2008.

Issue #9: Warming up to Circular Migration?
Circular migration means a continuing, long–term pattern of international mobility. The European Union set up two pilot programs in 2008 that seek to facilitate this type of movement.

Issue #10: Struggles of Iraqi Refugees Continue
An estimated 4.7 million Iraqis remain displaced either internally or in neighboring countries, and Iraq is still the leading source of asylum applicants worldwide.

See also:

• Migrant Workers are Human Beings – not Commodities
• Migrant Workers Groups issue a 10-point challenge to Governments at the 2nd GFMD
• The 2nd GFMD Civil Society Days
• Plight of Asian women raised at 2nd GFMD
• Civil society groups await post–GFMD meeting with government

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