A World Without Overseas Filipino Workers

Note: This is a rewrite of my old article posted on my personal blog.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been a vital part of the Philippine economy for decades, with their remittances accounting for a significant portion of the country's GDP. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, OFWs sent a total of $29.9 billion in remittances in 2020, despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. But what would happen if there were no longer OFWs?

First and foremost, the Philippine economy would take a significant hit. With over 10 million OFWs working overseas, the sudden return of such a large number of people would cause a massive influx of job seekers in the country, leading to an oversupply of labor and a shortage of jobs. This could lead to a rise in unemployment rates and a decrease in the average income of Filipino families.

Global Economic Impact

In addition, the countries that rely on Filipino workers would also suffer. OFWs have been a vital source of labor for countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and countries in the Middle East, among others. If all OFWs were to suddenly stop working, it would have a significant impact on these economies, particularly in industries where they are most needed, such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

The following are some of the global industries and economies that would be severely affected without the presence of Filipino workers:

• Healthcare Industry: Filipino nurses and other healthcare professionals are in high demand worldwide due to their expertise, excellent communication skills, and compassionate care. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have a shortage of nurses, and Filipino nurses have filled this gap. Without Filipino healthcare professionals, the healthcare industry in many countries would suffer from a severe shortage of qualified healthcare workers.
• Domestic Work Industry: Filipino domestic workers, particularly women, have been in high demand worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, where they work as maids, nannies, and caregivers. Without Filipino domestic workers, many households would struggle to find affordable and reliable help, particularly in countries where domestic work is not considered an attractive job.
• Maritime Industry: Filipino seafarers comprise a significant portion of the global maritime industry, with many of them working as seamen, engineers, and other roles. The maritime industry would be severely affected without the presence of Filipino seafarers, particularly in countries such as Japan, Greece, and Norway, where they are in high demand.
• Construction Industry: Filipino workers have also made significant contributions to the construction industry worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, where they work as skilled laborers, engineers, and architects. Without Filipino workers, many construction projects worldwide would be delayed, leading to increased costs and reduced productivity.
• Hospitality Industry: Filipino workers have been in high demand in the hospitality industry worldwide, particularly in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. Without Filipino workers, many hotels and restaurants would struggle to find qualified and reliable staff, leading to a decrease in the quality of service.

Moreover, the sudden cessation of remittances would also have significant repercussions for both the global and local economies. OFW remittances have been a critical source of foreign exchange for the Philippines, which helps maintain the stability of the country's currency. It also supports the country's balance of payments, which is crucial in paying off the country's external debt.

Without OFW remittances, the country's currency could become volatile, leading to inflation and an increase in the cost of goods and services. The country could also face a balance of payment crisis, leading to a decrease in foreign reserves and the possibility of defaulting on its external debt.

Overcoming the Impact

The Philippine government have to develop a sustainable economic plan to maintain the country's economic growth should it lose the valuable OFW remittances propping up its economy. That means, the government has to consider the following strategies:

• Development of Domestic Industries: The government could focus on developing domestic industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. By promoting these industries, the government can create job opportunities for returning OFWs and boost the country's economy.
• Infrastructure Development: The government could invest in infrastructure development such as road networks, airports, seaports, and telecommunication systems. The development of infrastructure can attract local and foreign investors, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
• Strengthening of Small and Medium Enterprises: The government could provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them expand their businesses. The development of SMEs can create job opportunities for returning OFWs and contribute to the country's economic growth.
• Investment in Education and Training: The government could invest in education and training programs to equip returning OFWs with new skills and knowledge needed for new industries. This can help them secure job opportunities and contribute to the country's economic growth.
• Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The government could encourage entrepreneurship and innovation by creating programs that support startup businesses. By promoting entrepreneurship, the government can create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The impact of a world without OFWs goes beyond the economy. The absence of Filipino workers in various countries could lead to a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in the United States, where they comprise a significant portion of nurses and other healthcare professionals. The global workforce would also lose the valuable contribution of Filipino workers, particularly in industries where they have excelled, such as domestic work, maritime, and engineering.

Lasting Effects

Finally, the absence of OFWs could also have unintended consequences on Filipino society. OFWs have been known to experience various challenges, such as loneliness, homesickness, and family separation. The sudden return of OFWs could lead to an increase in mental health issues, as well as a disruption in family dynamics and relationships.

The dependence on sending labor force abroad, while providing economic benefits to the Philippines, also has long-term consequences that can affect the country's social, cultural, and economic aspects. Here are some of the long-term effects of losing the dependence on sending OFWs abroad:

• Brain Drain Reduction: One of the long-term effects of losing the dependence on sending OFWs abroad is that it can help to reduce the brain drain in the country. With more job opportunities available in the country, highly skilled professionals will be more likely to stay in the Philippines, contributing to the development of various sectors such as healthcare, education, and research. New industries have to be developed with competitive salaried jobs to go along with it.
• Family Reunification: The dependence on OFWs abroad has led to the separation of many families in the Philippines. If the country can provide sufficient job opportunities, OFWs can return home to reunite with their families and contribute to the local economy.
• Reduced Social Costs: With the decrease in the number of OFWs, there will be fewer social costs associated with their migration. These social costs include broken families, human trafficking, and the loss of highly skilled professionals from the country.
• Encouragement of Local Investment: With fewer people leaving the country to work abroad, there is a greater chance that people will invest their resources in the Philippines. This will help to stimulate economic growth and provide job opportunities for locals.
• Cultural Preservation: The OFW phenomenon has led to the loss of some Filipino traditions and cultures as many Filipino workers assimilate into their host countries. By reducing the dependence on sending OFWs abroad, there will be a greater chance to preserve and promote the Filipino culture.

Reducing the dependence on OFWs abroad can help to mitigate these consequences and provide a more sustainable path towards economic growth and development.

Final Words

In conclusion, a world without OFWs would have far-reaching and significant consequences on the global economy and Filipino society. While the contributions of OFWs are often overlooked, they have been crucial in sustaining the Philippine economy and supporting the economies of other countries. Thus, it is crucial to recognize their contribution and ensure that they are protected and supported, particularly during times of crisis.