AFFECT, NARRATIVES AND POLITICS OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN MIGRATION BY CARLOS M. PIOCOS III

Abstract

Southeast Asia displays a dynamic migration flows,  especially since the 1970s. The economic transformations and industrialization in Asian Tigers, coupled with neoliberal adjustments, have led to significant waves of migration across the region. Notably, intra-regional migration from countries like Indonesia and the Philippines to wealthier destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong have been prominent. This movement, predominantly involving the participation of local women, middle-class mothers, and wives in the workforce, has created a demand for feminized labor, particularly for child and elderly care as well as domestic services. Consequently, governments in these destination countries have sought helpers and domestic workers from neighbouring nations. During this period, Indonesia and the Philippines faced issues like domestic poverty, widespread unemployment, and internal crises, prompting the development of labor export programs. These programs served both as a political administrative tool and a means to address escalating employment and fiscal crises. Hong Kong and Singapore emerged as major hubs for domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines. The migrant workforce has made significant contributions to the national economies of Hong Kong and Singapore, and their home countries have benefited from foreign exchange remittances, helping to alleviate domestic unemployment. In recognition of their contributions, the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia and media called these migrant workers as heroes (modern-day heroes and foreign exchange heroes respectively). However, the official narratives promoted by these governments do not effectively address the real-life challenges faced by domestic workers, including discrimination, abuse, and exploitation. Filipina and Indonesian domestic workers often experience marginalization, discrimination, and social exclusion, shaping their precarious living conditions. These challenges are vividly portrayed in literary and cinematic narratives, highlighting the workers' experiences of discrimination, victimization, and the sacrifices they make for their home countries.