Transnational financial education for Filipino migrant workers

Abstract

This exploratory study sought to identify relevant topics for financial education programs for Filipino Employment Permit System (EPS) workers in Korea. EPS workers are temporary migrant workers who return to their home countries after their contract of employment ends. The study reviewed existing financial education programs for migrants in Korea and the Philippines and collected primary data through surveys and focus group interviews to develop a suitable financial education program for Filipino EPS workers. The results revealed that Filipino EPS workers were passive users of Korean financial services and often lacked financial literacy. Also, they did not have much communication with their families in the Philippines about financial management. A forum about transnational financial education was organized to discuss the implications of the study findings and a pilot financial education program was developed.