Overseas Filipino Research Articles

Family Psychological Distress among OFW Parents and their Children in the Middle East: A Mixed Method Study

Aims: This study aims to examine the psychological impact of family separation on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their children, with a focus on emotional distress, coping strategies, and the long-term effects of prolonged separation on family dynamics. Sample: The study involved 50 OFW parents residing in Dubai and 50 of their children aged 8-18 living in the Philippines, providing a dual perspective on the experiences of both parents and children. Study Design: A mixed-methods research design was utilized, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to offer a comprehensive understanding of the psychological impacts of family separation. Place and Duration of Study: Data were collected between January and August 2024, with participants recruited through community organizations supporting OFWs in Dubai. Methodology: Quantitative data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Semi-structured interviews provided qualitative insights into emotional experiences, coping mechanisms, and the challenges of reintegration. Statistical analyses explored correlations between separation duration, communication frequency, and psychological distress. Results: Quantitative findings from the ANOVA revealed that OFW parents had a significantly higher mean depression score (16.3, SD = 5.4) compared to their children (14.4, SD = 4.2), F (1, 98) = 4.21, p < 0.05. Anxiety levels were similarly elevated in both parents (18.1, SD = 6.2) and children (18.6, SD = 5.7), with no significant difference, F (1, 98) = 0.12, p > 0.05. A positive correlation (p < 0.01) was found between the length of separation (average 3.5 years) and psychological distress. Frequent communication was associated with lower anxiety levels (p < 0.01). Qualitative analysis identified seven key themes: emotional burden of separation, coping strategies, impact on family dynamics, reintegration challenges, mental health and well-being, support systems, and emotional regulation. Parents expressed regret over missing family milestones, while children reported feelings of abandonment. Some families, however, demonstrated resilience through strong communication practices and emotional regulation skills. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions that address the psychological challenges experienced by OFW families. Emotional support systems, in addition to financial assistance, are essential to mitigating the emotional toll of prolonged separation and fostering healthier family dynamics.

Caring for Indebted Migrant Workers: Financial Literacy Training, Debt, and Filipino Migrant Workers in Dubai

This article explores the politics of care that undergird state and private initiatives that seek to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai. In addition to their precarious work conditions in the city, levels of debt are believed to be on the rise even among those categorized as professional, skilled, and semiskilled. These workers thus become the ideal subjects of financial literacy training programs aiming to turn them into “financially mature” individuals free from debt and capable of becoming future entrepreneurs if and when they return to the Philippines. This article highlights the ways in which financial literacy education, despite being framed as an act of care, can still work to obscure the specific political economic and structural conditions that produce and maintain debt among Filipino migrant workers in Dubai. Following Raghuram (2016), I “trouble care” to shed light on the “hidden geographies” of migrant worker debt and the challenges and complexities that need to be taken into account in caring for them. This article seeks to empirically and theoretically contribute to discussions on how debt can be viewed and used to constitute and shape future migrant solidarities.

Acceptability of Telepsychiatry among Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait

The challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expose them to abuse, harming their mental wellness. Telepsychiatry offers hope by allowing prompt diagnosis, management, and treatment of mental health issues. Yet, the acceptability of this technology among OFWs has not been studied, and specialized psychiatric services for them are scarce. This study assessed telepsychiatry acceptance among OFWs in Kuwait. Using a cross-sectional design, participants with mental health concerns in a Philippine Embassy shelter were selected. Tailored telepsychiatry software facilitated secure online video consultations and psychotherapy sessions with a Philippines-based psychiatrist. Acceptance was measured with the telemedicine satisfaction and usefulness questionnaire. Fifty-five (55) female OFWs participated; most were household service workers (n = 53; 96.36%) with a median age of 35. Mental health disorders were diagnosed in 22 participants (40%) – including acute stress disorder (n = 14; 25.45%), major depressive disorder (n = 5; 9.09%), brief psychotic disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), and adjustment disorder (n = 1; 1.82%). Acceptance-wise, the majority of the participants expressed satisfaction with the telepsychiatry service provided (mean = 4.77; SD=0.48). This pioneering research demonstrates the viability of telepsychiatry in providing vital psychosocial support to distressed OFWs in Kuwait. Sustaining and expanding this service across various countries is essential to ensure access to culturally sensitive and responsive mental health resources, thereby promoting mental health equity and the overall well-being of migrant workers

‘What if I get sick?’ Healthcare (non)decisions of overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan

The increasing presence of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan, particularly in the electronics and technology (E&T) industry, has raised concerns about their health and health-seeking behaviours. Our study draws on a theoretical framework combining Brandenberger et al.’s 3C model, which considers challenges in communication, continuity of care, and confidence regarding healthcare delivery for migrant workers, with Scott’s sociology of nothing. This framework enables us to interpret the decisions of OFWs on seeking care, not seeking care, or not making any decision. Although the National Health Insurance covers migrant workers and the New South Bound Policy commits to promoting migrant health, narrative accounts of individual workers, migrant rights advocates, and shelter organisers inform us of OFWs’ ambivalence towards utilising the healthcare resources available. The decisions made by OFWs in the E&T industry may include seeking assistance, not seeking assistance, or not addressing health concerns due to legal, financial, or cultural reasons. The contextual nuances behind their decisions led us to look beyond the challenges they face and argue for interventions such as peer education on legal rights awareness and health literacy to enable OFWs to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Mapping and Evaluating the Localized Migrant Assistance Services in Ilocos Norte, Philippines: An Asset-Based and Multi-Stakeholder Approach

This qualitative (QL) case study aimed to map and evaluate the localized migrant interventions in Ilocos Norte, a province in northwestern Philippines with a large population of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Using an asset-based approach, this study sought to emphasize the strengths of local government agencies and their problem-solving capacities. Interview and focus group discussion data were collected from 37 participants, specifically from returned OFWs, provincial and local governments’ employees, and volunteers from an OFW family group. Results show that localized migrant interventions include those that were delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely, repatriation and quarantine and testing services. There were social protection services provided pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, including socioeconomic, social, health, and legal assistance, and capacity-building programs. Coordination among government agencies also occurred. Participants evaluated pandemic interventions as inconsistent and lacking, and these interventions were marred by poor communication and coordination. Results also show the centrality of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, which offers many programs but whose service provision received mixed assessment. The other government agencies also had mixed evaluations, marked by limitations in mandate and resources. Lastly, perceptions of the effectiveness of information dissemination by government agencies were varied. Results show that localized interventions are important in providing social protection to distressed OFWs. Policies to promote sustainable reintegration, prepare for future mass repatriation, and improve decentralization are recommended. Findings are useful in promoting awareness of government services and improving the lives of OFWs and their families. Future research can investigate linkages between government levels (e.g., between national and provincial, national and local) and the health status of service providers.

Infrastruktura migracyjna w Polsce i jej wielowymiarowość na przykładzie filipińskiego vloga YouTube

International labor migration is increasingly facilitated by unofficial intermediaries who play a significant role within the diverse migration infrastructure. Growing uncertainty about the future caused by conflicts, economic crises, or pandemics has led migrants to increasingly seek employment through the Internet, where micro-influencers become active assistants, providing advice to those seeking work abroad. In recent years, Overseas Filipino Workers have become such active online intermediaries. Migrant vlogs have become an integral part of the multidimensional migration infrastructure, facilitating transnational labor intermediation and exposing issues related to navigating infrastructural dimensions for basic infrastructure users – migrants. The article aims to illustrate the multidimensionality of migration infrastructure through the example of the YouTube vlog. Despite attempts to liberalize migration management methods, such as through the possibility of seeking employment online, they have not led to the development of migrants’ migratory capacities. Nowadays, migrants – the basic infrastructure users – have to navigate through additional elements of infrastructure (vlogs) as well as face growing bureaucratization of the process itself, which should be considered an example of infrastructural involution (Xiang and Lindquist 2014). The paper presents the results of a qualitative content analysis of the comments posted under the video of a Filipina vlogger living in Poland, who provides advice on her YouTube channel to people interested in employment. The results illustrate the multidimensionality of migration infrastructure on the example of a vlog and prove the infrastructural involution resulting from the growing complexity of commentators’ needs.

Singly Keeping Up: Common Implications of Inflation to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Single Mothers

As constant inflation rises, low- and middle-income earners have had to face difficulties and make adjustments to cope in their daily lives. In this context, single-parent households, who are mostly mothers, are more likely to face financial hardship. On the other hand, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are known for leaving their home country to support their families. In this regard, the study seeks to explore the perspective of overseas Filipino single mothers towards inflation and its common impacts on their lives. The study consists of six (6) participants, of whom the majority are from the Middle East. The researchers utilized snowball sampling techniques. The researchers also conducted a one-on-one, semi-structured interview via online platforms. The findings of this study identified five (5) major themes about inflation: economic issues, personal finances, global factors, government-controlled, and social issues, which were all connected. The findings of this study also identified four (4) major themes about the impact of inflation on OFW Single Mothers: limited financial capability, personal struggles, coping struggles, and falling exchange rate. The findings revealed that the greatest impact of inflation is mostly on financial struggles and looking for ways to overcome it through strict adjustments, affecting the prioritization of oneself.

Accumulating delay: Filipino Time, COVID-19 and experiences of male returnees in Cebu

Unique to this paper is a gendered examination of return migration from the point of view of male return migrants. I analyze the perspectives of repatriated male migrant workers during their return migration in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a discussion of time as “accumulated delay,” I suggest that the (de)constructions of masculinity concerning overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) experiences of waiting and delay under repatriation and quarantine can be understood through the theoretical lens of immobility in migration research. I suggest that systemic delays in the circulation of global capital, necessitated by the global health pandemic, challenged migrant men’s cohesive narrative of migrant productivity.

Transnational grieving: The lived experience of Overseas Filipino Workers who lost their loved ones due to COVID-19

This study aimed to gain an insight into the lived experience of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who lost their family members due to COVID-19 during the lockdown in 2020. Five OFWs volunteered to participate in this study and underwent online semi-structured interviews. An interpretative phenomenological approach guided the data analysis, through which four major themes were derived: (1) experiencing the emotional strains of unexpected death while physically distant; (2) enduring the absence of traditional mourning rituals; (3) managing grief from a distance; and (4) finding closure through physical and symbolic presence. These findings shed light on how OFWs experienced loss and grief during the lockdown, as well as how they coped amidst the distance and eventually finding a degree of closure.

Determinants of Financial Security of Overseas Filipino Workers' Dependents (OFWDS): An Analysis of Remittance Management of OFWDs in Region 12, Philippines

Determinants of Financial Security of Overseas Filipino Workers' Dependents (OFWDS): An Analysis of Remittance Management of OFWDs in Region 12, Philippines

Filipino Immigrants in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: Health and Access to Services.

The Philippines is a source of labor for many countries. Roughly 10 million overseas Filipinos are working and living outside of the Philippines. This paper examines the association between sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, educational level, and income) and self-rated physical and mental health, access to healthcare, and health habits among immigrant Filipinos living in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Through convenience sampling, Filipino migrants (n = 103) aged 18 years and above participated in the online survey between October 2022 and March 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and chi-square. Almost all respondents self-rated their health as excellent and very good. Female respondents are more affected by mental health. Most are enrolled in the Universal Health System of Spain (public insurance). There is more utilization of private health insurance among respondents aged 60 years and above and high-wage earners. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are associated with males. More than half of the respondents perform weekly exercise occasionally or never. These findings suggest a potential need for targeted interventions with an emphasis on the practice of preventive health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, especially among financially disadvantaged migrants with lesser health access.

Home alone: exploring the emotional challenges on children of overseas Filipino workers

Home alone: exploring the emotional challenges on children of overseas Filipino workers

Decoding the Duterte Doctrine: Understanding Strategic Changes in Philippine Foreign Policy during Duterte Administration

This article employs a sophisticated neoclassical realist framework to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the intricate landscape of Philippine foreign policy under the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, elucidating the contours of the so-called “The Duterte Doctrine”. This encompasses a nuanced exploration of the nation's role as a middle power, focusing on the pillars of national security, economic diplomacy, and the safeguarding of overseas Filipinos. Employing an analytical lens that intricately weaves systemic pressures and domestic imperatives, the study meticulously unravels the historical trajectory of Philippines-USA relations and the evolving dynamics in the Philippines-China relationship. Methodologically, a discerning review of historical events, policy decisions, and diplomatic maneuvers is undertaken to unveil discernible patterns and strategic recalibrations within the nation's foreign policy landscape. The main findings underscore a diplomatic chess game in the Philippines-China relationship, marked by a strategic departure in defense posture with the cessation of joint military exercises with the U.S. Economic diplomacy, encapsulated in the Duterte Doctrine, manifests as a fervent pursuit of diversified economic partnerships, concurrently raising cogent concerns about potential economic dependence. The analysis accentuates the adaptive resilience of Philippine foreign policy in response to the evolving global landscape, thereby substantively contributing to regional stability. As a middle power, the Philippines astutely leverages its agency amid great power competition while assiduously upholding principles of international law and justice, necessitating nuanced and context-specific approaches to maintain a delicate balance between traditional alliances and emerging economic partnerships.

Third-country hiring: The case of Overseas Filipino Workers in Taiwan to Poland

This study explores the complexities of third-country serial labor migration among Filipino factory workers, specifically those moving from Taiwan to Poland—an activity deemed illegal by the Philippine government. Utilizing qualitative methods, the research conducts in-depth interviews with participants like Mae, Rick, and Justin, complemented by a key informant interview. The findings reveal a nuanced decision-making process, with participants expressing a desire for enhanced job conditions, contractual flexibility, and career advancement opportunities in Poland. Despite the Philippines' oversight and support for temporary migration, the practice of third-country hiring raises legal and ethical concerns. Without proper authorization from the Philippine government, recruiting workers through a third country is deemed illegal. To protect migrant workers, established procedures, including obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), are implemented to ensure lawful deployment. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding serial labor migration, providing valuable insights that can inform policy frameworks and practices aimed at enhancing the welfare and protection of migrant workers within the global labor market. Through analysis of the experiences and challenges faced by Filipino factory workers engaging in third-country migration, this research seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in labor migration processes and advocate for measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of migrant workers worldwide.

Academic Challenges and Coping Mechanisms among Senior High School Students with Overseas Filipino Worker Parents

Students with Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents face a wide array of challenges that affect their well-being. The consequences of parent’s absence directly affect their child’s psychological state which can result to poor academic performance. This study aimed to determine the academic challenges and coping mechanisms of the Senior High School students with Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) parents through analysis of their lived experience. This study employed a phenomenological research design. In this study a purposive sampling technique was employed to select the six (6) respondents with OFW parents in Senior High School. These students were selected using the following criteria: (1) a senior high school student at Tairan National High School; (2) whose mother is working abroad; and (3) willingness of the respondents to participate in the study. The data collected from the interview were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three (3) subthemes emerged in the senior high school students’ academic challenges: (1) school-related problem; (2) lack of parent’s attention and guidance; and (3) communication. On the other hand, the coping mechanisms of the students include (1) reciprocating parent’s efforts; (2) understanding the parents’ reasons for working abroad; (3) building a circle of friends and family support system. Results showed that the parents’ absence affects the academic performances of the students. However, the students displayed strong commitment to do well in school to reciprocate parents’ sacrifices. Thus, this phenomenological study establishes the baseline in developing programs and support system to the students with OFW parents.

Socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Overseas Filipino Workers and their left-behind families: a scoping review

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are considered bagong bayani, or modern-day heroes, as their remittances have a positive long-term impact on the Philippines economy. The Philippines ranked 10th worldwide in terms of net emigration from 2010 to 2020. The deployment of OFWs declined during the pandemic, and this was estimated to have adverse effects on remittances. As a migrant-sending country, the Philippine government had to deal with the mass of unemployed OFWs stranded in their host countries and organize large-scale repatriation of OFWs. This scoping review aims to assess the existing literature, identify research gaps, and propose future research directions concerning the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on OFWs and their left-behind families. The results indicate that the impact of the pandemic on OFWs was not uniform. It is evident that OFWs in precarious situations beforehand have become even more vulnerable. The loss of their source of income in the host country and the restrictions on international mobility during the pandemic had significant detrimental effects on their wellbeing and their families left behind, regardless of their income level or type of job. Upon returning to their home country, they often experienced anxiety, depression, discrimination, and difficulty in finding a job. Overall, this scoping review highlights the urgent need for greater recognition and protection of OFWs in times of crisis. It is crucial to address the systemic issues that contribute to their vulnerability and to ensure that they receive adequate support and protection in host countries and the Philippines.

Exploratory Sequential Study on Parental Absence And Moral Development Among Senior High School Students With Overseas Filipino Worker Parents

Exploratory Sequential Study on Parental Absence And Moral Development Among Senior High School Students With Overseas Filipino Worker Parents

The Triumphs and Travails of Selected Overseas Filipino Workers in the United Arab Emirates

The term “Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)” is used to describe those who are employed in foreign countries through a contract with their employers. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) has always been an interesting topic of psychological studies, their triumphs and travails are largely economically motivated and temporary. This study sought to generate sufficient data on selected OFWs in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in the Dubai through questionnaire and these data were used in the descriptive analysis. The analysis on about their triumphs and travails in the UAE. Among the several findings from this study is that all the participants to the survey have entered the UAE legally either via direct deployment from the Philippines or via visit visa. Furthermore, most of the participants have jobs in the Philippines before migrating to the UAE. A more detailed narration and descriptive analysis of the research findings have been discussed in this paper.

City of Cabuyao Hatid-Sundo Program and Overseas Filipino Workers Satisfaction: Basis for Action Plan

This study was conducted to identify the level of implementation of the Hatid-Sundo Program as a mode of transportation for OFWs going back and forth to the airport and their level of satisfaction which was the basis for the action plan of the program. Hatid-Sundo Program is an initiative implemented by the City Government of Cabuyao, Laguna to provide free transportation services for the OFWs. The researcher utilized Cronbach’s Alpha to test the reliability of the questionnaire being distributed. A total of 150 OFWs were involved through simple random sampling in answering the survey questionnaire. Descriptive correlational methods were utilized as the research design. Results were evaluated and analyzed using Mean, Four-Point Likert Scale, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The result revealed that there was a substantial link between the Level of Implementation of the City of Cabuyao Hatid-Sundo Program and Overseas Filipino Workers’ Satisfaction. The probability values were all 0.000 which was less than the level of significance at .05, thus the rejecting null hypothesis. This also indicates that the better the implementation of the City of Cabuyao Hatid-Sundo Program, the more Overseas Filipino Workers satisfaction. Furthermore, the study proposed an action plan that aims to meet the goals outlined and improve the City of Cabuyao Hatid-Sundo Program by incorporating the satisfaction and inputs received from Overseas Filipino Workers such as procurement of new passenger seats, regular maintenance of air conditioning system, additional personnel, orientation for safety guidelines, values training program and conduct of forums in barangay. Modifications can be implemented based on the circumstances and available resources.

Parent-Child Closeness and Study Attitudes and Methods of Children of Overseas Filipino Workers

Parental support and guidance are essential to the education of children of OFWs. These students feel pressured to repay their parent’s sacrifices through their academics, and are overwhelmed with balancing their school assignments and household responsibilities. This study aimed to determine the levels of parent-child closeness and study attitudes and methods, and determine its relationship. It sought to compare the level of parent-child closeness, in terms of sex, birth order, and number of years abroad. A quantitative research approach, specifically a descriptive, comparative, correlational design, was used to examine the parent-child closeness and study attitudes and methods of 100 adult children of OFWs studying at university. Findings revealed that children of OFWs are moderately close to their mothers, and very close to their fathers. They have a high academic interest and study methods, and have low academic drive-conformity, study anxiety, manipulation, and alienation towards authority. Maternal and Paternal closeness to the adult child was not found to significantly differ, in terms of sex, birth order, or number of years abroad. Furthermore, maternal regard was found to be positively correlated with academic interest (r=0.43), academic drive-conformity (r=0.38), and study methods (r=0.27), while maternal responsibility was negatively correlated with academic interest (r=0.29). The study’s findings can be a basis for the development of programs and activities for children of OFWs, to assist them in balancing home and school responsibilities.