Assessment of the existing services for skilled migrant workers in the Philippines
English
ILO
The International Labour Organization is the tripartite U.N. agency that promotes Decent Work through employment, social security, labour standards and social dialogue. Its work on skills development is guided by the conceptual framework on Skills to improve productivity, employment growth, and development agreed in 2008 by representatives of Governments, Employers’ Associations and Workers’ Associations. Research, policy advice, and pilot projects and technical cooperation programmes to apply good practices in different circumstances across its 185 member States aims to boost the employability of workers, the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises, and the inclusiveness of economic growth. The ILO Secretariat in offices in 40 countries works with Ministries of Labour, employers’ organizations, and trade unions to integrate skills development into national and sector development strategies in order to better meet current labour market needs and to prepare for the jobs of the future; to expand access to employment-related training so that youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are better able to acquire skills and secure productive and decent work; and to improve the ability of public employment services to provide career guidance, maintain labour exchange services, and deliver active labour market programmes.For more information regarding the ILO’s work on skills and employability go to: http://www.ilo.org/skills/lang--en/index.htm; for ILO/Cinterfor's Knowledge Management Plarform, see: http://www.oitcinterfor.org
Migrant workers
According to the ILO global estimates on migrant workers, there were around 164 million migrant workers in 2017.
Migrant workers contribute to growth and development in their countries of destination, while countries of origin greatly benefit from their remittances and the skills acquired during their migration experience. Yet, many migrant workers face challenges in accessing quality training and decent jobs including under-utilization of skills, a lack of employment or training opportunities, lack of information, and exploitation of low-skilled workers.
To address these challenges, countries need to strengthen skills anticipation systems to inform migration policies, increase access to education and training, and establish bilateral or multilateral recognition of qualifications and skills.
Monitoring and evaluation
Measuring the outcomes of skills systems, policies and targeted programmes is essential in order to monitor and improve their effectiveness and relevance. Elements of sound assessment processes include: institutions to sustain feedback from employers and trainees; mechanisms to track labour market outcomes of training and systems of accountability that use this information; and, quantitative and qualitative labour market information and its dissemination to all stakeholders.
Research papers
Working papers, reports, and other publications from international organizations, academic institutions and bilateral agencies. Research findings to stimulate informed debate on skills, employment and productivity issues.
Given the size and the importance of migration for the country over the past thirty years, the Philippines government has developed explicit policies geared toward the protection of its migration population. The private sector, especially the recruitment industry, has also developed services that cater to the needs of its clientele. For its pro-active stance on migration, the Philippines is often hailed as a good model in terms of migration governance.
Services designed for a particular profile of migrants may not respond to the exact needs of skilled migrants. Skilled and health professional migrants in particular face specific migration issues. In this context, and as part of its European Union-funded Decent Work Across Borders project, the ILO commissioned this assessment of services to skilled migrants.
The research makes an important contribution to the understanding of the services available to overseas Filipino workers, including migrant health professionals. It covers a wide range of services provided by state and non-state institutions, from pre-departure training to return and reintegration in the Philippines. It also offers a rich collection of information on the mandate of all state institutions providing services, as well as selected non-state institutions and business enterprises. Particularly valuable are the details provided on the various legislations pertaining to migrant workers.
Migrant workers
Migration policy
Asia and the Pacific
