Rethinking Free Labor Mobility in ASEAN: Who Really Needs It?

• In Event: The Other Side of Integration: Questions in the Wake of ASEAN Community 2015

Abstract

As ASEAN moves towards an integrated economic community, it foresees the free flow of professionals and skilled workers in the region as one of the key components of the AEC. While the 2015 target draws near, questions arise as to the feasibility of this vision given the economic, social, cultural, and political constraints that challenge the states and people in moving. This paper seeks to determine who will benefit the most from the aspired free labor mobility once the AEC ensues. It will assess the economic, social, cultural, and political issues that challenge and facilitate the free labor mobility as envisioned by ASEAN. The number of professionals and skilled workers as compared to the low- and non-skilled workers migrating within ASEAN is completely small, while the major security issues are concentrated on the latter. It also questions how this framework will influence the irregular migration that is dominant within the region and how this will affect the movement of low- and non-skilled migrants.

Author

• Katrina S. Navallo, University of the Philippines-Diliman