Protecting Filipino migrant workers in distress through social media platforms

Abstract

This exploratory study focuses on the Philippine government’s response to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress, especially in the Middle East using social media platforms. It examines the level of social media adoption by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in protecting Filipino nationals abroad. The popularity of social networking sites among Filipinos, including DFA officials and staff, played a vital role in influencing the institution’s move toward social media adoption. Key informant interviews were conducted with 10 officials, case officers, and staff at the DFA home office and Foreign Service Posts in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from June to July 2019. While Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be effective tools for speedy communication between the DFA and OFWs, the DFA faces several challenges such as budgetary constraints, lack of human resources with ICT skills, and verifying reports, among others. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the indispensable role of social media platforms in communicating with OFWs and in extending assistance to those in distress. Hence, the DFA may consider the formulation of an agency-wide social media strategy and collaboration with other migration authorities on social media-anchored projects.

Research Trends of Studies on Psychosocial and Health-Related Behaviours of Foreign Domestic Workers in Asia Pacific: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…One of the prominent themes identified from the included studies is mental health, with several studies focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, and other depressive symptoms among FDWs [ 72 , 75 , 89 ]. The studies aim to understand the prevalence, factors, and impacts of mental health issues on FDWs and highlight the need for appropriate support and interventions [ 28 , 53 ].…”

“…Other research themes identified include social space utilization [ 12 ], minimum wages [ 13 ], cultural intelligence [ 15 ], psychological morbidities [ 28 ], reproductive health education [ 82 ], stigma [ 84 ], migration issues [ 35 , 39 ], financial implications of borrowing [ 78 ], struggles and activism [ 41 ], rehabilitation services [ 81 ], intergenerational caregiving, and childcare provision [ 63 ], subjectivities [ 55 ] and health-related behaviours [ 20 ].…”

Exploring the Impact of Diaspora and Skilled Migration on Developing Countries

“…Moreover, the role of technology and social media in shaping diaspora experiences and facilitating transnational connections is an underexplored area. Given the rise of digital platforms, there is a need to examine how technology influences diaspora dynamics, identity formation, and social and economic integration (Katigbak & Roldan, 2021). Overall, these studies on labor migration and the unique experiences of Filipino professionals contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics and implications of the Filipino diaspora.…”