Nineteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Literature purports that there is a tendency for migrants to move back and forth from the homeland and host country, and even from one host country to another. Filipinos, with a pervasive culture of migration, exemplify a “multi-country, itinerant migration patterns”. This study probes into the considerations of Filipinos in diaspora in Taiwan after their migration to the host country. Furthermore, the study gives focus on the policies and contexts in the homeland and the host country that influences the post-migration considerations among Filipinos in diaspora. Guided by the concepts of human agency and social capital, the study argues that sense of belonging plays an essential role in developing their social contexts in Taiwan, and subsequently, their plans thereafter. In-depth informant interviews with eight Filipinos in diaspora were conducted to gather migrant narratives and understand their experiences and plans. It can be gleaned from the interviews that while the informants have mostly positive experiences and situations in their host country, there remains to be a desire to leave, either to go back home or to migrate elsewhere. Meanwhile, previous and current contexts in the homeland, including socio-political situations and personal-familial situations, is factored in by the informants whenever they consider migrating again. While there is longing for the homeland, these Filipinos in diaspora also display ambivalence about returning to the homeland.