The Philippine State and Aging Filipino Migrants

Abstract

Aging has increasingly become an issue of concern in many countries, particularly in most migrant-receiving countries, where migrant workers are employed to address labor shortages due to an aging workforce. It should be noted that aging is also a concern for migrant-sending countries, where deployed workers and other long-term migrants are now experiencing the onset of aging. It is estimated that out of around 281 million international migrants, 12.2% (34.3 million) are aged 65 or older. Looking at cases from Japan and Malaysia, this report discusses the experiences and challenges of older or “aging” Filipino migrant workers, many of whom happen to be among the most vulnerable. However, it should be kept in mind that these older migrants are diverse not only in terms of experiences but also in terms of class, gender, occupation, and legal status. This report also emphasizes the need for more qualitative and ethnographic studies to augment existing data (which are mostly statistical) on Filipino migrants who are “aging-in-place” away from the homeland. Moreover, it explores how the Philippine state provides social citizenship to these older migrants—both temporary and long-term ones—and argues the need for more effective programs that would enable a sustainable return and reintegration.