Abstract :
ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the phenomenon of Filipino marriage migration. It examines the scale and patterns, as well as the issues and concerns of Filipino spouses/partners of foreign nationals. The study argues that marriage migration is undeniably important in the migration of Filipinos. Official records show that the number of Filipino marriage migrants has increased more than two-fold from 1989 up to 2012.This paper also claims that while there are successful couples in intermarriages, they have experienced a myriad of issues and concerns, among others: irregularities in the requisites of marriage; multiple/serial sponsorship; domestic violence; mail-order bride scheme and marriage brokers; laws and immigration policies of some countries; new culture and language; and social construction of Filipino women. In order to address the aforementioned concerns, the Philippine government and other groups recognize the need to address the issues and concerns of Filipinos marriage migrants. Among the activities and programs for marriage migrants are the mandatory counseling program before departure, provision of list of support network and client feedback, conduct of community education program, establishment of cooperative partnership, and conduct of study visit abroad and passage of relevant national laws. This study notes that the various initiatives to address the concerns of those in intermarriages are laudable. There is, however, a need to harmonize, document, evaluate, and monitor the efforts of various instrumentalities.
Keywords :
foreign nationals , Filipino spouses/partners , issues and concerns , and counseling program , marriage migration
