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Are you a migrant, immigrant, or emigrant? Understanding the terms shaping Filipino experiences abroad

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On Sa Usap Tayo, we break down why it’s important to understand the terms migrant, emigrant, and immigrant, and how they affect data, policy, and the lives of Filipinos abroad.


Published

By TJ Correa

Presented by TJ Correa, Shiela Joy Labrador-Cubero

Source: SBS



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On Sa Usap Tayo, we break down why it’s important to understand the terms migrant, emigrant, and immigrant, and how they affect data, policy, and the lives of Filipinos abroad.


Key Points

  • “Migrant” is a broad term for Filipinos living abroad, “emigrant” refers to those permanently leaving the Philippines, and “immigrant” describes their status upon arrival in another country.
  • Different agencies use these terms differently, meaning permanent emigrants and their descendants are often excluded from official counts.
  • The Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) and TWG-MESOF propose a harmonised system to produce accurate migration statistics and strengthen government engagement with the global Filipino community.

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