A majority of Filipinos are open to working or living abroad, according to a study by OCTA Research.
Results of the Tugon ng Masa survey showed that 57% of respondents are willing to work abroad if given the opportunity, while 39% are not willing and 4% remain undecided.
The study identified the top reasons for this willingness as better job opportunities, higher salaries, and improved quality of life.
“Migration is not a fringe aspiration — it cuts across regions, income groups, and educational levels… Political instability and security concerns rank significantly lower, suggesting Filipinos view migration as a pathway to advancement, not an escape from hardship,” OCTA said.
“The survey is ultimately about opportunity rather than dissatisfaction. The findings indicate that many Filipinos view migration as a pathway to advancement and upward mobility,” it added.
Data also showed that 57% of Filipinos in Classes D and E are open to working or living abroad, compared to 56% in Class ABC.
By age group, willingness to migrate is highest among younger Filipinos, with 81% of those aged 18 to 24 expressing openness, followed by 75% among those aged 25 to 34.
“More than eight in ten Filipinos aged 18–24 (81%) are open to living or working abroad. This is the country’s future workforce — and their strong migration aspirations raise important questions about talent retention and long-term economic productivity,” OCTA said.
Across regions, willingness to migrate is highest in Balance Luzon at 59%, followed by Mindanao at 56%, the Visayas at 55%, and the National Capital Region at 53%.
Based on the findings, OCTA said the results highlight gaps in the Philippine labor market.
“Filipinos say they would rather work abroad; the primary policy question is not how to stop them — it is why domestic jobs, wages, and career pathways are not competitive enough to keep them,” the think tank said. “Addressing migration aspirations means directly improving the quality, availability, and fairness of work at home.”
OCTA said the findings serve as a call for policymakers to make the Philippines competitive enough to retain workers.
“For policymakers, the challenge is clear: to make the Philippines competitive enough to retain its talent by creating quality jobs, ensuring fair wages, supporting meaningful career growth, and expanding opportunities at home. Until these conditions are met, leaving will remain the unstated life plan of a majority of Filipinos,” it said.
