300230 International Migration and Globalisation: Perspectives from the South (S) (SoSe 2016)

Asia has been a site of international migration for decades, generating opportunities and challenges that invite policy, research and advocacy attention within and beyond the region. The Asian focus of this course aims to introduce students to the realities and perspectives of international migration in the South, to foster an appreciation of context in understanding international migration issues, and to enhance participants’ perspectives in undertaking comparative regional analysis of the phenomenon. At the end of the course, students are expected to gain familiarity with key migration issues in Asia, migration literature and data sources, and migration-related institutions in the region which can be building blocks for further research. Lectures will be the main modality for conducting the course; ample space will be given for individual student projects, class discussions and films.
A. Contemporary international migration in Asia
This will trace the development of beginnings of large-scale international migration in the region. Although diverse types of international migration developed since the 1970s, temporary labor migration became the most prominent, resulting in the formation of fairly distinct migration systems. International migration within the region is significant, prompting some observers to suggest that regional migration may be a more appropriate lens to view the phenomenon.

B. Governance of international migration in Asia
This will discuss the evolving governance of international migration in Asia. From the 1970s, some changes have become notable in the approach to the governance of international migration in the region. The role of bilateral agreements, regional processes and non-state actors, among others, will be highlighted. Despite the regulation of international migration in Asia, the promotion of migrants’ rights has been relegated to the background, engendering vulnerabilities, risks and stressors to migrants and their families.

C. Gender and migration in the Asian context
International migration, particularly labor migration, was predominantly male in the early 1970s, but with the shift in the labor market needs in the destination, women later became part of labor migration. The Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka became major source countries of women migrant workers. Labor migration in the region has been noted to be gendered, with female migration being mostly driven by the demand for care workers. Later, marriage migration contributed to increased female migration in Asia. The gender dimension will be explored in relation to economic, demographic, and socio-cultural factors operating in origin and destination countries.

D. Migration and the making of transnational families and households
The temporary nature of labor migration has been accompanied by the formation of transnational families and households, resulting in the dispersion and distribution of family members in different sites. Under a temporary migration regime, migrant workers in less skilled occupations are not supposed to settle in the destination countries and one key strategy to achieve is not to allow family reunification. The separation due to migration has raised concerns about the psychological impact and social costs on migrant workers and their family members, especially children, who are “left-behind” in the origin countries. Changes and continuities in being family, caring arrangements, and family relationships will be explored, including some Asia-specific patterns.

E. Marriage migration and social change
Marriage migration is an unexpected turn in international migration in the region. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have emerged as important sites of international marriages, mostly involving men from these affluent countries and women from developing countries in the region. In a context of mostly temporary migration, marriage migration is one of the few pathways for permanent residence and citizenship. Among others, the phenomenon has led to discussions and debates on issues of integration, citizenship and multiculturalism in destination countries. These concepts have acquired meanings and policy responses that may be specific to Asia.

F. International migration in the ASEAN
Southeast Asia is a sub-region characterized by intense and diverse international migration. Due to the different positions (and interests) of origin and destination countries, the issue of international migration has been belatedly addressed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which will be formally established in December 2015. In the envisaged regional integration, international migration is limited to the migration of skilled and professional workers.

G. Special topic 1: Migration between the Philippines and Europe
This will present highlights from the ongoing research on temporary migration between Asia and Europe (EURA-NET) with a specific focus on the two-way migration between the Philippines and Europe.

H. Special topic 2: The migration and development nexus: Evidence from the Philippines
The discussion aims to take a closer at the migration and development nexus in the Philippines after more than four decades of large-scale international migration. Policy developments to promote the development potentials of migration will be critically examined.