Publication

Charting the Path Forward: Post-Pandemic Reintegration for Overseas Filipino Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic sent over two million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) back home, thrusting the Philippines into a tenuous dilemma for reintegration. This paper, authored by Alvin P. Ang, Maire Carroline T. Magante, Maria Isabelle V. Militante, and Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, explores the intricacies of reintegration efforts for OFWs, shedding light on crucial prospects and challenges.

The establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers, a pioneering initiative aimed at institutionalizing "full cycle reintegration" was found to be central to this undertaking. This signals a shift in the government's approach to supporting returning OFWs, backed by a recent United Nations program. The research underscores the need for a holistic multi-agency effort to drive migrant reintegration forward.

This paper reviews historical and contemporary reintegration programs, revealing organizational constraints, implementation issues, and the scarcity of essential data. Despite these hurdles, it emphasizes the determination of civil servants to elevate migrant reintegration as a broader development initiative.

What's at stake? The Philippines stands at a critical juncture. Migrant reintegration must evolve, fostering better inter-governmental coordination and broader multi-sectoral collaboration. Framing reintegration as a form of social protection can catalyze comprehensive cooperation. This paper isn't just for policymakers; it's also a compass for anyone interested in understanding the multi-stakeholder landscape of migrant reintegration in the Philippines. For OFWs and their families, it offers hope for a more robust support system in their journey back home.

Download the full paper below for a deeper dive into this essential topic.