28th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Safe, Orderly, And Regular Migration: Protecting Migrant Workers and Their Families/Security Challenges to Migration

Secretary Hans Cacdac recounted how migration has long been a part of Filipino society, from the Spanish colonial era through migration of workers during the 1970s in the middle east leading to the present day. The cycle of migration includes pre-departure, transit, entry, stay, and return stages. The pre-departure phase is critical and includes recruitment, documentation, orientation, and protection from illegal recruitment and human trafficking. Third-country recruitment is a security concern where workers are transferred from one country to another, potentially under abusive conditions. The return phase is relatively new, with reintegration programs for returning workers that include financial education and livelihood programs.

Security challenges in migration include human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and third-country recruitment abuses. Legal and regulatory challenges involve ensuring ethical recruitment practices and proper medical screening of workers. Terrorism and transnational crime pose risks related to radicalization, and migration can lead to economic disparities or xenophobia in host countries. There is also public health concerns related to migration, especially when migrants come from regions with differing health standards or inadequate healthcare.

The Philippines has been a strong proponent of international frameworks like the Global Compact for Migration and has ratified several International Labor Organization conventions to promote the rights and dignity of migrant workers. Bilateral and multilateral diplomacy is critical in securing agreements with host countries to protect migrant workers. The Department of Migrant Workers has 41 satellite offices worldwide, offering pre-departure and post-arrival education and assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers.