The Philippines has risen to the 56th position globally as a preferred destination for employment among those seeking opportunities abroad, according to the latest “Decoding Global Talent 2024” report by Jobstreet by SEEK, Boston Consulting Group, and The Network.
The ranking is an improvement of 11 spots since 2020. The study draws on survey data from over 150,000 respondents across 188 countries.
Respondents cited several reasons for considering the Philippines as a top career destination, including its welcoming culture and inclusiveness (52%), perceived good quality of life (45%), cost of living (43%), and quality of job opportunities (43%). Despite this positive trend, the Philippines still ranks lower compared to other global destinations and remains behind several Southeast Asian countries.
Talent from neighboring nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, along with English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada, showed interest in working in the Philippines, according to the report.
Overseas work
While the Philippines is becoming more attractive to foreign jobseekers, a significant number of Filipinos want to relocate abroad. About 80% of Filipino respondents expressed readiness to work overseas, higher than the 68% average in the SEA region. However, this interest has declined from 96% in 2018 and 91% in 2020.
Contrary to the global trend where younger candidates are more inclined to work abroad, Filipinos across various life stages are willing to relocate. Among those willing to move, 80% are highly educated, and 82% are under 30 years old. Financial motivations and career progression are primary drivers for Filipinos considering work overseas, along with better social systems and healthcare.
For the 20% of Filipinos unwilling to relocate, reasons include the inability to bring their family, the cost of relocation, and a strong attachment to their home country. The job roles of those considering relocation are diverse, spanning from low to high skill levels. Workers in craft professions, manual, and physical jobs are most likely to seek opportunities abroad, followed by roles in research, engineering, and services. Marketing and media professionals are least likely to consider moving.
Rise in remote work preferences
Approximately one-third of Filipinos (35%) prefer long-term work abroad without plans to return, a notable difference from neighboring countries where workers typically prefer shorter overseas assignments. This trend raises concerns about a potential irreversible brain drain in the Philippines.
Globally, the willingness to work remotely for a foreign employer has increased to 66% from 57% in 2020. In the Philippines, this trend is even more pronounced, with 84% of professionals eager for remote international work, exceeding SEA and global averages.
“Employers can start by providing better compensation or benefits and better career opportunities as these are the main reasons people seek work abroad,” said Dannah Majarocon, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK in the Philippines. “Filipino employers can also consider attracting the working population from other countries.”