Case Study Countries: Philippines and Malaysia
Causes of Emigration and Labor Migration
- Between 1980 and 2005, millions of Asians left their home countries due to economic needs, limited opportunities and expanding global labor markets.
- High unemployment pushed many workers to seek foreign employment in the Middle East and Asia.
- Wage gaps between Asia and developed economies encouraged outward migration.
- Governments promoted overseas labor to gain foreign currency through remittances.
- Skilled workers pursued better professional prospects abroad, especially in healthcare.
- Rapid globalization expanded recruitment networks for Asian migrants.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), 1980–2005
Causes and Drivers
- Economic stagnation increased domestic financial pressure on families.
- The Philippine government promoted labor export as national policy.
- Middle Eastern oil economies created vast labor demand in construction and services.
- Filipino workers sought higher incomes than available at home.
- Recruitment agencies facilitated international job placement.
Consequences and National Influence
- Remittances became a major source of national revenue.
- Families experienced improved economic security from overseas earnings.
- Long-term social separation created emotional strain for many households.
- OFWs shaped global perceptions of Filipino professional reliability.
- Labor migration became central to national economic planning.
Definition
Remittance
Money workers send home from abroad.
Definition
Labor export policy
Government strategy encouraging citizens to work overseas.
Immigration, Economic Growth and Regional Labor Demand
- Some Asian states became immigration destinations due to rapid industrial growth and shortages of low-wage labor.
- Malaysia recruited foreign workers to fill labor gaps in manufacturing and plantations.
- Singapore relied on migrant labor for construction and domestic services.
