You are invited to the Globalization, Transnationalism & Development Colloquium ‘Why do origin states fend for the rights of their low-skilled labour migrants? Evidence from the Philippines’, presented by Evelyn Ersanilli, University of Amsterdam.
When: Wednesday 23 October, from 15.30-17.00
Where: Spiegelzaal, GG 80-82
Abstract
Policies on migrant rights are usually analysed from the destination country perspective, ignoring the role of origin countries. Origin states however can and do shape the rights of their low skilled workers. For instance via bilateral agreements outlining minimum wage and other working conditions, by regulating recruitment firms or by mandating predeparture trainings. In this lecture I will focus on the Philippines. The Philippines is often presented as a ‘model country’ when it comes to protecting its migrant workers. Roughly 10% of the Philippine population works abroad and remittances make up about 10% of GDP. Ruhs (2013) has argued that origin states are reluctant to advocate for migrant rights out of fear of losing remittance income; increased rights (e.g. higher wages) could price migrants out of the market. Rodriguez (2010) has argued that the protection policies serve to sustain the Philippine ‘labour export’ model. In this lecture, I will present fresh evidence and discuss possible drivers of Philippine policies.
