As of the 2005 stock estimates of the government, there are 7,924,188 Filipinos overseas. Some 3,651,727 of them are temporary migrants; 3,391,388 are permanent migrants, and 881,123 are undocumented migrants. (See the migration and development databank link)
Where are they Abroad and in the Philippines
Most temporary
migrant workers are in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Japan, while
most permanent residents are in the United States, Canada and
Australia. (See the migration and development databank link)
What do they do overseas?
Filipinos abroad
work to provide the needs of their families. These include
permanent residents who, despite being nationals already of the
host country (or are on the way to become one), they also work
for family members who are already with them or who are still in
the Philippines.
How much do they send back home?
From 1975 to
2005, Filipinos abroad have remitted over-US$93 billion in
remittances through formal banking channels. They also remit in
informal channels (e.g. door-to-door). An Asian Development Bank
study shows Filipinos abroad remit an average of US$340 a month.
(See the migration and development databank link). These monies
are used to meet families’ basic needs, human capital investment
(i.e. education and schooling), and investment in properties
(e.g. land, housing).
What's happening to the Philippines while they're away?
Migration is both a boon and a bane. Regardless, people believe it wasn’t migrants’ fault they had to go overseas in the first place, especially given the conditions of the country.
Blessings of international migration include:
• Remittances that benefit Filipino families, communities, sectors and the country
• Easing joblessness in the Philippines
• Sustained economic growth
• Opportunities for Filipinos to achieve success and personal growth
The following are the challenges facing the Philippines because of migration:
• Reliance on remittances that breeds a culture of dependency
• High unemployment despite overseas migration
• Vulnerabilities facing migrants abroad
• Social costs unto families
• Brain drain (whether temporary or permanent brain drain unto specific sectors)