Towards Step Migration from Taiwan to Canada:The Case of Filipino Migrant Domestic Workers’ Transitional Adaptation

Abstract

Step migration, otherwise known as onward migration is a phenomenon referring to the movement of migrant labor from one country to another without the need to go back to the country of origin. While “brain drain” may hold true for the highly educated workers like doctors, engineers and scientists, subjects of this study are Filipino migrant domestic workers who are supposed to be mothering children or caring for families in home country. Conclusively due to lack of better employment or earning opportunities in home country, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) chose to migrate for work and do “menial labor” in Taiwan. For other reason, due to preconceived plans of migration to Canada through social networks and perceived better gains and benefits either known from acquainted friends, family or mass media. They gain valuable related experience in Taiwan then choose to step migrate in Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). A qualitative interview was done with 12 migrant domestic workers in Taiwan and Canada using semi structured questionnaire. The framework of the study represents a cycle of the transitional adaptation in the life and work adaptation of the Filipino migrant domestic worker. Transitional adaptation is a temporary process, prior to another cross-cultural adaptation. Three transitions are noted in the study during the five phases of their domestic life covering from Philippines, Taiwan and Canada highlighting the events while tying up with migration issues. Findings of this research may assist the subjects in their transitional adaptation, the labor sending and receiving countries in policy making, and inspire future researchers of migration theories.

Step migration, otherwise known as onward migration is a phenomenon referring to the movement of migrant labor from one country to another without the need to go back to the country of origin. While “brain drain” may hold true for the highly educated workers like doctors, engineers and scientists, subjects of this study are Filipino migrant domestic workers who are supposed to be mothering children or caring for families in home country. Conclusively due to lack of better employment or earning opportunities in home country, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) chose to migrate for work and do “menial labor” in Taiwan. For other reason, due to preconceived plans of migration to Canada through social networks and perceived better gains and benefits either known from acquainted friends, family or mass media. They gain valuable related experience in Taiwan then choose to step migrate in Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). A qualitative interview was done with 12 migrant domestic workers in Taiwan and Canada using semi structured questionnaire. The framework of the study represents a cycle of the transitional adaptation in the life and work adaptation of the Filipino migrant domestic worker. Transitional adaptation is a temporary process, prior to another cross-cultural adaptation. Three transitions are noted in the study during the five phases of their domestic life covering from Philippines, Taiwan and Canada highlighting the events while tying up with migration issues. Findings of this research may assist the subjects in their transitional adaptation, the labor sending and receiving countries in policy making, and inspire future researchers of migration theories.