OFW Remittances: a Tool for Development or a Sign of Underdevelopment?

That so many millions of Filipinos are forced to go abroad and that the country is so dependent on remittances actually underscore the great failure of the government to build a solid domestic economy.

BY ANGIE DE LARA
MIGRANT WATCH
Bulatlat

The Arroyo government will host the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development this October. Bulatlat interviewed Jose Enrique Africa, research head of IBON Foundation regarding overseas Filipino workers’ remittances and Philippine Development.

Bulatlat: The BSP said that the Philippines is the 4th biggest remittance receiver in the world. How do the Filipino people benefit from this?

Africa: The Philippines is the largest among the most migrant- and remittance-dependent countries in the world. That so many millions of Filipinos are forced to go abroad and that the country is so dependent on remittances actually underscore the great failure of the government to build a solid domestic economy.

Of course, remittances are a tremendous help for OFWs and their families and remittances are a vital source of stable foreign exchange. But these should not be used to divert from the more important point of why the domestic economy remains so backward and why Filipinos are forced to go abroad in the first place. The reason the economy remains so underdeveloped and jobs so scarce despite the globally unrivalled importance of overseas work and remittances is because these are not part of the solution but rather symptoms of the problem. The problem is that domestic agriculture and industry are not being built, that foreign and domestic elites are the one benefiting from the country’s resources and labor, and that there is such severe economic and political inequality in the country.

Bulatlat: The Arroyo government said that the increase in remittances is due to increasing demand for labor of countries with aging population. Is this true?

Africa: It is true that many populations abroad are aging and so there is a relative increase in their need for new entrants into their workforces and even for nurses and caregivers to care for the aged. But the more basic and principal reason that remittances are increasing is that more and more Filipinos are forced to go abroad and are desperate enough to work harder for less pay than others. And this is primarily because there are no decent opportunities in the country. If Filipinos could find decent jobs in our country, they will stay and be near their families no matter how old foreign populations are.

Bulatlat: The Arroyo government noted an increasing number of highly-skilled professionals working abroad. Can you consider this development?

Africa: This is not true. Even if there are more higher-skilled professionals going abroad now, the number of low-skilled workers going abroad has also been increasing.

Total annual deployments of new hires increased from 1992 to 2006. From 1992-2001, the share of professional and technical workers generally rose from 27.7 percent at the start to 37.7 percent at the end of the period; conversely, the share of production workers fell from 36.5 to 22.0 percent. The share of service workers was more or less stable. However, after 2001, the share of professional and technical workers started dropping and fell steeply to 13.4 percent in 2006. On the other hand, the share of production workers rose significantly to 33.6 percent and that of service workers to 46.8 percent – where these two categories together account for over eight of ten deployments of newly-hired OFWs.

In the 1992-2006 period, over two-thirds of newly-hired OFWs were classified as service workers (37.7 percent) or production workers (30.7 percent) while over a quarter were classified as professional and technical workers (26.8 percent). Nearly all of the “service workers” are accounted for by domestic helpers and other household workers, maids or cleaners in commercial establishments, cooks, waiters, bartenders, caregivers and caretakers; domestic helpers, in particular, account for over two-thirds of this skills classification. “Production workers” are mainly in construction-related jobs with some factory-based work. “Professional and technical workers” are mainly health professionals and engineers although a substantial portion of these jobs are actually musicians, singers and dancers; musicians, singers and dancers accounted for nearly a fifth of “professional and technical workers” in 2006.

In any case, whether or not migrants are higher skilled or not is beside the point because we should not celebrate Filipinos being forced abroad, whether they are highly-skilled or not.

Bulatlat: The Arroyo government said that taxes paid, including those paid by OFWs, are used to finance infrastructure and to create employment.

Africa: First of all, the largest part of the national budget goes to debt service and to corruption. The single largest budget item taking up around 30 percent are interest payments on foreign and domestic debt. At the same time, some 20 percent of the national budget is lost to corruption, amounting to over US$2B annually – as had been estimated by the World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and even a former speaker of the House of Representatives. Secondly, that kind of reasoning also means that we can say that taxes are used to finance human rights violators through spending on the military which has been implicated in thousands of human rights violations. Thirdly, if the government is really so concerned about generating employment then it should overhaul its economic policies much more than spend on likely graft- and corruption-ridden infrastructure projects.

Bulatlat: The Arroyo government said that OFW remittances are used by their families for their basic needs thus creating demand on goods and services. The Arroyo government further claims that this also translates into more jobs.

Africa: It is tragic that so many families have to depend on family members separating from them and going abroad just to support their basic needs. The so-called multiplier effect on the domestic economy is minimal however precisely because the economy is so backward to begin with. The overwhelming bulk of goods purchased by families are actually imported because there is no substantial domestic manufacturing sector that can produce those goods. Factories have actually been closing down for lack of government support and because of reckless trade liberalization.

If the government wants to create jobs it should put a genuine policy of national industrialization in place because otherwise OFW demand for goods will not go to creating opportunities for local factories. As it is, the manufacturing sector has already lost 125,000 jobs from a year ago with only 2.9 million jobs in July 2008 from 3.1 million last year.

Bulatlat: The Arroyo government said remittances increase supply of foreign exchange. How does this benefit Filipinos?

Africa: The biggest beneficiaries from the foreign exchange supplied by OFWs are foreign creditors who get paid, transnational corporations (TNCs) who repatriate their profits, big foreign financial speculators, and TNCs in export enclaves. These account for the overwhelmingly largest portion of foreign payments that the country makes.

While it can be said that peasants also benefit because they use imported fertilizer, the deeper question is why they have to rely on imported fertilizer to begin with. While it can be said that workers also benefit because they cannot but consume imported products, the truth is that they do not really have that much income to spend.

Bulatlat: The government said remittances are harnessed for investments in human resource capital through education and health care for beneficiaries. The BSP said beneficiaries could go to private schools and hospitals instead of government-owned schools and hospitals. Please react to this.

Africa: The most basic point is that Filipinos have a right to decent public health and education services and should not have to buy these from privatized or profit-oriented institutions. Health and education should be available to all and not depend on whether or not a family can afford these.

The government is abdicating its responsibility and passing the burden on to OFWs. And it can also be asked who in the end will benefit most from these so-called “investments in human capital”. If these Filipinos are likewise forced to go abroad then it is foreigners and foreign economies that will be the greatest beneficiaries.

Bulatlat: Remittances also go to physical capital investments through acquisition of real property including land purchases and home construction, said the BSP. Is this true?

Africa: Because Filipinos are so poor the largest part of OFW remittances goes to immediate and urgent consumption. And even if there are many OFWs able to buy real estate these are personal investments and not really investments in the productive capacity of the economy.

Bulatlat: Are remittances also used as capital? Do OFW beneficiaries also invest in business ventures such as in small and micro enterprises?

Africa: Small and micro enterprises do not just need capital, although this is certainly urgent, but also a supportive trade and investment environment. They should not just be provided with capital but also be allowed to grow under a protected trade regime and within a supportive investment environment. Thus, even if some part of OFW remittances are diverted to them, at the expense of families’ immediate consumption, they will still not prosper if there are no radical economic reforms.

Bulatlat: Do remittances create savings?

Africa: There will never be enough OFW savings to compensate for potential capital lost due to stunted domestic industry and agriculture, and for the hostile domestic economic environment for Filipinos due to reckless trade and investment liberalization.

Bulatlat: Can remittances be a tool for development?

Africa: Remittances can only be tool for development within the context of strategic and far-reaching policies of true agrarian reform and national industrialization. In the absence of these, the “remittances as a tool for development” mantra will just be hype to cover up the government’s severe economic failures. (Bulatlat)

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Article printed from Bulatlat: http://bulatlat.com/main

URL to article: http://bulatlat.com/main/2008/09/27/ofw-remittances-a-tool-for-development-or-a-sign-of-underdevelopment/

Copyright © 2008 Bulatlat. All rights reserved.

Launch/Lancement - International Migrants' Alliance - Quebec/Canada chapter

Chers ami-e-s, travailleurs et travailleuses migrants, militant-e-s pour les droits sociaux,

Vous êtes tous et toutes invité-e-s au lancement de l'Alliance internationale des migrants - section Québec/Canada!

Quand: Samedi le 4 october 15h à 18h
OU: UQAM, Pavillon Hubert Aquin salle A050
400, Ste-Catherine est, coin St-Denis, Métro Berri, Montréal, Québec

Conférencière: Wahu Kaara de Kenya

Rapport des groupes ayant participé à la fondation de l'Alliance internationale à Hong Kong en juin 2008.

Musique, collation, célébration!

Information: +1 514 528 8812
_________________________________

Dear friends, migrant workers, social justice advocates,

You are all invited to attend the Launch of the International Migrants' Alliance - Quebec/Canada chapter!

Keynote Speaker: Wahu Kaara from Kenya

When: Saturday, October 4, 2008 3pm to 6pm
Where: UQAM, Pavillon Hubert Aquin, Room A050
400, Ste-Catherine est, corner St. Denis, Metro Berri, Montreal, Quebec

Reports from the founding of the International Migrants' Alliance in Hong Kong in June 2008.

Music, Snacks, Celebration!

Information: +1 514 528 8812

LAUNCHING OF MIGRANTE B.C.

Vancouver, B.C.-- An estimated crowd of 70 people, which included guests, well wishers and members of the Filipino community came together to celebrate the successful launch of the MIGRANTE B.C. last September 14, 2008. MIGRANTE-B.C. is a new community-based organization of Filipinos in British Columbia that asserts that Filipino migrants deserve the greatest promotion and protection of their rights wherever they are.

At the Longhouse Church in the east side of Vancouver, the community was welcomed by First Nations Elder Jim White and Longhouse Church Pastor Barry Morris. Councillor Ted Stevenson (City of Vancouver) and Members of the Legislative Assembly David Chudnovsky (Vancouver-Kensington), Shane Simpson (Vancouver-Hastings) and Jenny Kwan (Vancouver-Mount Pleasant) sent in their greetings of solidarity to the new organization.

Member of Parliament Libby Davies (East Vancouver) personally delivered her sincere greetings and best wishes to the Migrante B.C.’s members and supporters. “While the Migrante B.C. is new and small,” MP Davies said, “you have a mighty spirit” and “your strength, discipline and political consciousness and awareness are all good things” that help build a network to take up the migrants’ cause. She pointed out that the collective Filipino experience is important and encouraged the community to find its political voice, more so in the upcoming federal elections, and engage in political debate. Speaking of workers’ rights, she brought up the issues of the temporary foreign workers who are very vulnerable to exploitation and also of the long standing injustice of the live-in-caregiver program. Of the latter, she said, “you come here and you find that you have left one prison for another.” MP Davies declared that she and the New Democrats will work to remove the restrictions on the live-in-caregiver program so that “people can come here as permanent residents.” “You have our support,” she said, “and we will continue to work on this issue.”

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement Labour Centre), the biggest trade union alliance in the Philippines, MIGRANTE International, and Ka Osang Beltran, the widow of the late Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran also forwarded their militant congratulations and commended MIGRANTE B.C. on its “commitment to defend the rights of Filipino migrants and their families as we all fight for a society that genuinely promotes the rights and interests of the workers and people of the Philippines, wherever we may be.” From Canada, messages came in from PINAY, the Filipino women’s organization in Quebec, MIGRANTE-Ontario, the Victoria Philippines Solidarity Group and the Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights.

Ms. Maita Santiago, the General Secretary of MIGRANTE International, the international alliance of Filipino migrant organizations, delivered the keynote address. She gave a brief situationner of the plight of Filipino overseas workers now found in 197 countries and territories around the world. Ms. Santiago lauded the historic launching of the MIGRANTE B.C. at a time when grassroots migrants organizations have joined ranks under the International Migrants Alliance (IMA), the first global network of its kind in its Founding Assembly in Hong Kong earlier in June. Ms. Santiago also shared the stories of those involved with Migrante International in its work of assisting Filipino overseas workers and their families in the Philippines. Maita, an immigrant to Canada herself, came with her newborn son to the launch and said that her son, “like all our children, symbolize the hope and aspirations of Filipino migrants for a better life.” A lively question and answer period followed the keynote presentation.

Cultural numbers performed by the members showcased the artistic talents within the MIGRANTE B.C. A short video presentation on the life of the late Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran in the program was a poignant reminder of Ka Bel’s last visit to Vancouver as part of the Philippine Solons Tour this year. Those who supported Ka Bel, many of who are now founding members of MIGRANTE -B.C., provided the accommodations, medical assistance and community support for that tour.

Two banners of Migrante B.C. were proudly displayed, each banner a labour of love from the migrants themselves. Bert Monterona, international award-winning painter and visual art designer from Mindanao, made the blue banner with the Migrante B.C. logo. The other banner was worked on by Bootz Estella, a Migrante member from the Igorot tribe in the Cordillera.

Jane Ordinario and Florchita Bautista, emcees of the program, declared that MIGRANTE B.C. is a fitting memorial to the legacy of the late Crispin Beltran who defended the national and democratic rights of workers, including that of the Filipino migrant workers.

###
For reference: Migrante-B.C.
Migrante_bc@ymail.com
109-4155 Central Blvd.
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada V5H 4X2
Tel: 604.408.0830

See photos and report at Arkibong Bayan

Urgent action for Irene Fernandez!

Dear members of the International Migrants' Alliance,

As you all may know Dr. Irene Fernandez, member of ICB-IMA, has been prosecuted by Malaysian government for documenting and exposing the “Abuse, Torture and Dehumanized Conditions of Migrant workers in Detention Centres” in Malaysia. She was sentenced for 12 months imprisonment but the appeal against the decision is still on going.

Her case will be resumed in court on 10 September 2008 in Malaysia and the actual hearing for the appeal will begin from October 28 - 30, 2008, followed by next hearing dates from 24-28 November 2008.

In support of Dr. Irene's case and to demand her immediate release, I would like to encourage all members of IMA, to:

1. Organize urgent actions on or before 10 September 2008, at 9 am (Malaysia time) in front of Malaysian Consulate/Embassy in your respective country

2. Prepare actions during the hearing of her appeal from October 28-30, 2008 and November 24-28, 2008

Since Oct 28-30 is IAMR activity in Manila, perhaps we can include this in our plan of action during IAMR.

Here in Hong Kong, AMCB-IMA we will organize a protest action in front of Malaysian Consulate on 10 September 2008, at 10:00 am (HK time).

Release for Dr. Irene Fernandez now!
Justice for Dr. Irene Fernandez!

Regards,

Eni Lestari
IMA Chairperson

Migrante International and IMA launch campaign against Global Forum on Migration

BY BULATLAT
Aug. 17, 2008 - 4:01 p.m.

Migrante International held a wreath laying and press conference this morning at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, near the corner of EDSA and Quezon Ave. in Manila, to show the true face of migrant Filipinos and to pay tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have died under questionable circumstances. Photos of OFWs who became victims of violence and abuse served as backdrop to the press conference.

Joining Connie Bragas-Regalado, chairperson of Migrante, in the press conference were Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, Rita Baua of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Sonny Africa of IBON Foundation, and Lilibeth Garcia, sister of Eugenia Baja. Baja was an OFW who worked as a domestic helper in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in May 2007 but mysteriously died in February 2008. The Saudi police and the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs concluded that Baja's death was a suicide even as her body bore signs of beatings and had a stab wound on her side.

Rep. Ilagan deplored that fact that the policies of the Arroyo government as well as that of receiving countries do not protect the rights of migrant workers.

"Ang ating gobyerno ay hindi nireresolba ang mga problema ng ating mga migranteng manggagawa," (Our government does not resolve the problems confronting Filipino migrant workers.) Rep. Ilagan said. She criticized the Arroyo government for its failure to generate enough jobs in the country and for aiming, instead, to increase OFW deployments to two million a year.

"Tutulan natin ang labor export policy ng gobyerno," (Let us oppose the labor export policy of the government.) Rep. Ilagan said. She also took note of the sacrifices that families of OFWs go through and the social costs of labor migration.

Lilibet Garcia sister of Eugenia Baja said, "Sinabi po ninyo na ang mga OFW ay bagong bayani subalit sa pagkamatay ng aking kapatid nawala ang kanyang pangarap. (The government says that OFWs are modern-day heroes. But with the death of my sister, her dream of giving a better life to the family was also shattered.) My sister left weighing 47 kilos but when her body was returned to us she weighed only 32 kilos. Nananawagan po ako sa Arroyo government na imbestigahan ang pagkamatay ng aking kapatid." (We are calling on the Arroyo government to investigate the death of my sister.)

Connie Bargas-Regalado read the statement of the International Migrants' Alliance, an alliance of organizations of migrants and refugees across the globe, criticizing the Global Forum on Migration and Development. The Global Forum on Migration and Development is an "informal, voluntary, and state-led global forum", under the auspices of the United Nations, that tackles "how good migration governance can contribute to development and how development policies can impact on migration." The next meeting of the Forum will be held in Manila on October 27-30, 2008.

Parts of the statement of the alliance read," The Global Forum on Migration and Development is not made for its supposed main stakeholders-the migrants themselves. Violations of rights of migrants are rampant. Attacks on the rights of migrants, immigrants, refugees and other displaced people are happening everywhere, everyday. Ironically, the violators of the rights of migrants, through grave anti migrant policies, are the same countries in the Global Forum on Migration and Development."

"The presence of the International Migrants' Alliance in all global regions will pose the most formidable challenge to the Global Forum on Migration and development. We, being the grassroots migrants who are at the receiving end of numerous anti-migrant attacks, are the living proofs of the Global Forum on Migration and Development's anti migrant agenda and direction."

Regalado added, "The campaign against the Global Forum on Migration and Development will culminate in an International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees from October 28-30, 2008. The theme of the assembly would be 'Migrants' Challenges to the Global Forum on Migration and Development: End poverty, ensure jobs at home, stop forced migration, uphold and protect the rights of migrants and refugees.'"

"The International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees will be the genuine assembly for migrants where real and concrete issues shall be discussed. The International Assembly for Migrants and Refugees will speak for the grassroots migrants," Regalado said.

"GMA said I care, Is this the care she was talking about:
I care, with the migrants having 29 victims in death row;
I care, with the migrants having more than ten thousand stranded OFWs;
I care, with the migrants having 23 mysterious deaths;
I care, with the migrants having so many charges from their remittances,"
Regalado concluded. *Bulatlat*

Rise in mysterious deaths of OFWS in UAE alarms Migrante International

BY ANGIE DE LARA
MIGRANT WATCH
Bulatlat
Volume VIII, Number 28, August 17 – 23, 2008

The Migrante International chapter in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed alarm over the increase in the reported cases ‘suicide’ of Filipino workers.

In a statement, Nhel Morona, Migrante-UAE secretary general, revealed that from February to August of this year alone, the Migrante chapter in Dubai has already recorded seven cases of ‘suicide.’

These include Roderick Miranda who reportedly hanged himself on February 4; Norayda Ayuman who reportedly jumped from the 7th floor of a building on February 6; Jeffrey Alberto So who reportedly jumped from the 3rd floor of a building on June 13; and Evelyn Lilo who allegedly jumped from a building on August 10.

Already repatriated to the Philippines were Mitos Vergara who reportedly jumped from a building on June 24 and Remedios Waayan.

As of press time, Myrna Baylosis who reportedly jumped from the 4th floor of a building July 8, is still in the custody of Abu Dhabi Police.

The group is still confirming two other reported cases of ‘suicide’ in Abu Dhabi.

Morona said, “We do not want to see another Eugenia Baja.”

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh reported that Baja, a domestic helper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, committed suicide last Feb. 24. An autopsy later revealed that Baja bore stab wounds and bruises.

Members of the Migrante International accompanied Baja’s sister Elizabeth Garcia and So’s mother Yolanda to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) August 13. They asked for the re-investigation on the deaths of their loved-ones.

Morona criticized government officials in the Emirates for simply declaring the mysterious deaths as ‘suicide’ cases without conducting a thorough investigation.

In a dialogue with Migrante, DFA Executive Director Crisencio Relasyon agreed to investigate the cases of Baja and So.

Morona said the DFA should instruct Philippine government officials in UAE to investigate the cases monitored by Migrante. He said that if the autopsy reports would reveal that there is foul play, our officials abroad should file cases against the perpetrators.

Rise in Mysterious Deaths of OFWs in UAE Alarms Migrants Group | Bulatlat

Communiqué of the International Migrants Alliance Founding Assembly

“For a long time, others spoke on our behalf. Now we speak for ourselves.”

The message was clear: the time for the voice of the grassroots migrants has come with the resounding success of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) founding assembly.

They came from all corners of the world. One hundred and sixty seven delegates representing 118 organizations from 25 countries participated in the founding assembly of the first international formation of grassroots migrants on June 15 and 16 in Hong Kong. Among these, 102 were present as founding members (regular and associate members) while 16 have come as observers. The assemblies also noted six organizations who have signified to become founding members but were unable to attend due to visa and financial issues.

In the spirit of international solidarity, the participants shared each other’s experiences, learned from each other’s actions, debated and reached unities that shall propel the IMA in its future programs.

Inputs from a battery of speakers who were mainly from grassroots organizations of migrants were helpful for the participants to arrive at common understanding of major issues that migrants face. After a painstaking process of finding common grounds, the basic principles of the IMA were firmed up.

With the approval of the IMA Constitution, the election of its leadership and first set of officers and the approval of the General Program of Action (GPOA), the IMA was finally born.

United we shall break the chains of globalization

The first day of the assembly featured presentations on the different themes relevant to migrants.

Held at the City University of Hong Kong and co-organized by the Women Empowerment in Moslem Context of the Southeast Asia Research Center (WEMC-SEARC), the program was attended by more than 350 migrants including about 200 foreign workers – mostly domestic workers – from Hong Kong.

A well-applauded video that showed the situation that migrants face and why building the IMA is imperative opened the program. The crowd was moved, agitated and was put in high spirits to make the assembly a success.

As the names of the organizations attending the IMA were then called, it even heightened the atmosphere of the success of the assembly.

The Very Revd Andrew Chan, dean of the St. John’s Cathedral and board member of the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) and the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) that are both based in Hong Kong, welcomed all the delegates and bid the conference to achieve its aims.

Afterwards, renowned advocate for migrants, Dr. Irene Fernandez of Tenaganita (Women’s Force) delivered the keynote address to the assembly. She expounded on the global context of the current migration process, how these processes have changed and were shaped by the developments of the global capitalist system, as well as the increased forced migration, especially of women.

She also took note of the apparent debate between the right to migrate against the right of people against displacement. She said that such was a false debate, imposed by people with a superficial understanding of what it means to be a migrant. “Free movement and the right not to be displaced, are two essential elements to the assertion of collective and individual self-determination,” Fernandez explained.

Finally, Dr. Fernandez congratulated all the delegates of the IMA as she also called for revolutionary changes “to break these chains of global exploitation and oppression.”

Dr. Fernandez’s address was then followed by a battery of panel speakers.

The first panel consisted of noted anti-globalization activists who elaborated on the theme of Wages, Job Security, Remittances and GATS Mode-4. These topics were elaborated on by Mr. Aziz Choudry of the GATT watchdog and MR. Sonny Africa of the respected research think-tank Ibon Philippines. The presentation of Mr. Jose Gonzales of Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales gave a concrete face to the ill-effects of globalization as he expounded on the situation of migrant agricultural workers coming from Mexico.

In the second panel that focused on the War on Terror, Immigration and Refugees and the Criminalization of Undocumented Migrants, speakers that included Ms. Sarwat Viqar of the Center for Philippine Concerns in Canada, Mr. Ufuk Berdan of the Federation of of Turkish Workers in Europe and Mr. Terence Valen of the Filipino Community Center in the United States discussed how the US-led war on terror has eroded the rights of migrants especially with many anti-migrant policies. Mr. Ramon Bultron of the APMM meanwhile expounded on the general situation that faces the undocumented migrants and their different concerns.

Afterwards, Filipino migrants in Hong Kong from the Cordillera region in the Philippines presented a short play that depicted, in a “Torch Relay” the history of the struggle of Filipino migrants in Hong Kong.

The third panel was composed of regional and national women leaders who talked about violence against women, trafficking and globalization. Speakers were Ms. Emmi de Jesus of the militant women’s group Gabriela in the Philippines, Ms. Asfinawati of Asia Pacific forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and Hsiao-Chuan Hsia of the Trans Asia Sisters Association of Taiwan (TASAT) which is an organization of immigrant brides in Taiwan.

The last panel of the day tackled the issue of Health, Family and the Social Costs of Forced Migration. Speakers for the panel were Ms. Valentina Soe of the regional group CARAM-Asia, activists from Australia Ms. Vivi Germanos-Koutsounadis of the Greek Orthodox Community of the New South Wales and Ms. Jane Brock-Corpus of the Immigrant Women Speakout Association, Prof. Robyn Rodriquez of Philippine Forum and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns in the US, and Mr. Syamsul of SEKBER-BMI which is an organization of returned migrants and families of migrant workers in Indonesia.

In the evening, the IMA delegates discussed and approved the IMA’s Basis of Unity that shall serve as the Alliance’s guiding principles in its work and activities in the future.

United in one stand, firm and resolute

On the second day, the panel that tackled Organizing, Building of Alliances and Campaign Strategies was held. Panel speakers were all grassroots migrant leaders from different countries – Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante International in the Philippines, Ms. Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1^st Coalition for Immgirant and Worker Rights in the US, Ms. Wol San Liem of the Migrants’ Trade Union (MTU) in Korea and Ms. Eni Lestari of the Asian Migrant’s Coordinating Body (AMCB).

The panel presentations became very important inputs in the finalization of the Alliance’s Constitution and General Program of Action.

Plans included in the GPOA included activities and programs for education and information, campaign and mobilization that will pick up from the IMA concerns expressed in the panel topics, international advocacy including challenging the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in the Philippines this October, and expansion of the Alliance including the formation of country chapters and recruitment of more members from the regions of Africa and Latin America.

The finalization of the IMA’s GPOA elated the delegates as it provided the roadmap of what the IMA wishes to to achieve for the next three years.

To lead the IMA, members of the International Coordinating Body (ICB) were chosen by the different global regions as well as elected at-large.

To ensure that global regions are represented in the IMA leadership, regional caucuses were held to elect their representatives to the ICB. Among them were Jose Gonzales of FIOB for Latin America, Teresa Gutierrez of May 1^st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights for the USA, Sol Pajadura of Migrante-Ontario for Canada, Mr. Ramesh Pandit of Nepalese Labour Organization for South Asia, Mr. Ufuk Berdan of ATIK for Europe, Mr. Nhel Morona for Middle East and Africa and Dr. Irene Fernandez for East Asia and Oceania.

Among those ICB members elected at-large were: Ms. Tess Tesalona of Immigrant Workers Center, Canada; Prof. Robyn Rodriquez of Philippine Forum, USA; Ms. Rumana Sheikh of BOMSA, Bangladesh; Ms. Grace Punongbayan of MIGRANTE-Europe; Ms. Eni Lestari of AMCB,HK; Mr. Ali of Federation of Workers from Turkey in Switzerland; Hsiao-Chuan Hsia of Taiwan; Ms. Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante-International, Philippines.

Associate members that comprised NGOs and migrant-serving institutions also selected among themselves two members who will sit as ex officio members to the ICB – Ms. Wahu Kaara of Kenya Debt Relief Network and Mr. Ramon Bultron of the Asia-Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM). Ms. Kaara vowed to assist the IMA in its priority of expanding membership in the African region.

These seventeen members comprised the newly-constituted ICB of the IMA.

The ICB then elected among themselves officers of the executive committee.

Elected members of the executive committee were: Eni Lestari of AMCB-HK, chairperson; Ufuk Berdan of ATIK-Europe, vice chairperson; Connie Bragas-Regalado of Migrante-Philippines, secretary-general; Teresa Gutierrez of the May 1^st Coalition for Immigrant and Worker Rights in USA, deputy secretary-general, and; Tess Tesalona of Immigrant Workers Center in Canada, Treasurer.

Migrants on the march, onward we shall move

The establishment of the IMA marked a historic chapter in the movement of migrants and immigrants for rights and welfare and for comprehensive social change.

It was a timely effort of the migrants of the world to forge a stronger and higher unity in the face of daunting problems and issues that worsen the exploitation and oppression of the migrants.

Indeed it is now time to “speak for ourselves.”

For we are the migrants forced to leave our countries and families. We are the ones displaced by poverty, political persecution, war on terror, economic hardships and other social ills perpetuated by imperialist globalization.

We are the grassroots migrants. With our solidarity, we shall speak and we shall fight to gain more victories. #

IMA Founding Assembly Participating Organizations

Regular Members (70)*

Australia(6): Gabriela Australia, Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, Immigrant Women's Speak Out Association-Australia, Migrante Perth, Migrante Sydney Neighborhood – Inner West of Sydney, Migrante-Melbourne. Austria (1): AYIGF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Austria. Bangladesh (2): Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association, IMA Research Foundation. Canada (6): Migrante Ontario, Pilipinong Migrante sa Canada, Pinay, South Asian Women's Community Center, Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada, Immigrant Workers Centre. Denmark (1): Ugnayan sa Radyo Pinoy. Germany (3): ATIK-Confederation of Workers from Turkey in Europe, ATIK-Yeni Kadin Woman Commission Germany, ATIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Germany. Hong Kong (16): Abra Tinguian Ilocano Society, Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, Asosiasi Tenaga Kerja Indonesia, Association of Concerned Filipinos, Association of Sri Lankans, Cordillera Alliance, Filipino Migrant Workers Union, Filipino Women Migrant Workers Association, Friends of Bethune House, Mission Volunteers (MOVERS), PILAR, Pinatud A Saleng Ti Umili, Thai Regional Alliance, United Filipinos in Hong Kong, LIKHA, PIC Choir. Indonesia (1): SEKBER - Family of Migrants. Italy (1): UMANGAT. Japan (4): Filipina Circle for Advancement and Progress (FICAP), KAFIN, KAFIN-Tokyo Akishima, Philippine Women’s League of Japan. Korea (2): KASAMMAKO, New Era Foundation. Macau (2): ATKI Macau, Migrante Macau. Malaysia (2): Nepalese Labor Organization, TENAGANITA. The Netherlands (2): HITIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Holland, Migrante Europe. New Zealand (1): MIGRANTE-New Zealand. Philippines (2): Migrante International, Coalition of Agricultural Workers Internonational. Switzerland (1): ITIF-Federation of Workers from Turkey in Switzerland. Taiwan (3): Migrante – Taiwan, Trans-Asia Sisters Association of Taiwan, Taiwan International Workers Association. United Kingdom (3): Migrante UK, Tohum Cultural Center, YDG-Europe. United Arab Emirates (1): Migrante UAE. United States of America (10): Anakbayan Los Angeles, Anakbayan New York New Jersey, BAYAN-USA, Frente Indígena de Organizaciones Binacionales, Habi Arts, Bayan USA, May 1st Coalition for Immigrant and Workers Rights, Movement of Action, Inspiring Service (MAIZ), Philippine Forum, Migrante New York, Chelsea Uniting Against the War.

Associate Members (32)

Australia (3): Australia Asia Workers Link, Philippine Australia Solidarity Association, Work@Justice. Canada (5): CATTA, Centre for People’s Concerns (CAP-CPC), Movement Against Rape and Incest, Philippines-Canada Solidarity for Human Rights, Women of Diverse Origins for March 8. Hong Kong (6): Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, Asian Students Association, Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, ENGENDER Hong Kong, Mission For Migrant Workers (HK) Society, St John's Cathedral HIV Education Centre. Indonesia (1): Indies. India (1): Sahanivasa. Japan (1): Filipino Migrants Center. Kenya (1): Kenya Debt Relief Network. Malaysia (2): CARAM – Asia, Pesticide Action Network – Asia Pacific. Pakistan (1): Roots for Equity. Philippines (7): Alliance of Health Workers, Center for Women’s Resources, GABRIELA, IBON, Institute of Political Economy (IPE), Solidarity and People's Advocacy Network, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines. Taiwan (2): Labor Rights Association, New Immigrants Labor Rights Association. Thailand (1): Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development. United States of America (1): Filipino Community Center-San Francisco

Observers (16)

Australia (2): Asian Women at Work, Researchers from the University of Sydney. Canada (1): Vancouver Bus Riders Association. Hong Kong (3): World Student Christian Federation Asia Pacific, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, Asian Monitor Resource Centre. Indonesia (2): Partisan Foundation, Solidaritas Perempuan. Japan (3): Asia Wide Campaign (AWC-Japan), Global Collaboration Center, Japanese Filipino Children’s Network. Korea (1): Migrants Trade Union. New Zealand (1): GATT-Watchdog. Philippines (1): Gabriela Women’s Party. Thailand (1): Global Alliance Against Trafficking of Women. United States of America (1): Critical Filipino Studies Collective.



*Six organizations who were not present during the assembly but signified their intent to join the IMA as regular members are: Japan (3) – DUYAN, League of Filipino Seniors, Philippine Society in Japan. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2): Kapatiran sa Gitnang Silangan-Migrante Al Jouf, Migrante-Jeddah-KSA. Korea (1): Migrant Workers Television South Korea (MWTV).

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International Migrants Alliance
The first-ever global alliance of grassroots associations, organizations, unions, networks and alliances of migrant workers, immigrants, refugees and displaced peoples
Founding Assembly - June 2008

Contact the IMA Secretariat at ima.sect@gmail.com