Analysis of Pull-Factor Determinants of Filipino International Migration

This paper was conducted to examine the pull-factor determinants of Filipino international migration. This study employed Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation of gravity model using panel data consisting of 27 countries of destinations from 2007 to 2011. Results of the study revealed that migration flow over the years is increasing. Furthermore, 39% of Filipino migrants were located in USA, this is followed by Canada, UK, Australia and Italy which is the home of 34%, 15%, 5% and 3% of Filipinos respectively. Estimation results of the determinants of Filipino international migration showed that GDP, unemployment rate, cost of living, fiscal freedom, religion, distance and being a member of OECD are not significant pull factor indicators of Filipino migration. Furthermore, it revealed that Filipino migration is significantly and positively affected by population in the destination country. It shows the higher expectancy of migrants to acquire jobs in the destination country. Moreover, Filipino migrants preferred to migrate to a country which has less corruption and that English speaking countries are preferred destination by Filipino migrants.