Emergent political remittances during the pandemic: Evidence from a survey of overseas Filipino workers

Asian Pac Migr J. 2022 Jun;31(2):141-161. doi: 10.1177/01171968221112119.

Abstract

This article examines the experiences and assessments of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on the Philippine government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is part of the growing migration literature exploring the formation of political remittances, defined as political principles, norms and practices migrants acquire during the migration process and what these imply for democratization, particularly in migrants' home countries. Data for the study came from an online survey of OFWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the ordered logistic regression suggest that overseas Filipinos' experiences of successful pandemic management and aid distribution in host countries may influence OFWs to expect and demand similar measures in the Philippines.

Keywords: Philippines; overseas Filipino workers; pandemic management survey; political remittance.