By: Maruja M.B. Asis

Preparing to World Abroad: Filipino Migrants’ Experiences Prior to Development. Quezon City: Scalabrini Migration Center, 2005.

Documents the pre-departure experiences of migrant workers applying for overseas jobs. Using data from a survey of 990 departing migrant workers who attended the pre-departure orientation seminar provided by government and non-government agencies, the study looks into the various requirements that applicants for overseas employment have to comply with, their experiences in dealing with various agencies prior to deployment and their level of knowledge with regards to the provisions of their work contract , the working and living conditions abroad, their rights and access to support and assistance in the destination. Data collection took place from June to September 2004. Among the major findings of the study is the widespread contravention of the standard placement fee and the reservations cast by migrants on the efficacy of the standard employment contract abroad. These problems continue to pose a challenge to the government and other institutions seeking to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers.