Gender Runs Through It: Displacement and Repatriation of Filipino Migrant Workers from Libya and Syria

This paper deals with the displacement and repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Libya and Syria in 2011 (the process is on-going in Syria as of this writing) in connection with the Arab Spring or Arab Awakening. The displacement was the second largest repatriation of OFWs after the Gulf War of 1990-91. The mostly male, highly skilled or professional and legal profile of migrants in Libra vs. the mostly female, domestic work and unauthorized status of migrants in Syria shaped the different displacement, repatriation and return migration experiences of Filipino workers. The situation of Filipino domestic workers in Syria presented (and continues to pose) challenges for the Philippine government. The experience highlighted the need to strengthen reintegration programs and to make room for crisis or emergency-driven return migration. Among others, fostering dialogue and cooperation with destination countries would be crucial in ensuring the protection of migrants in crisis situations. Empirical support for the paper was based on a review of the literature, repatriation and reintegration policies and programs, and key informant with returnees, family members, and representatives of government agencies and local government units.