Population Institute

ABSTRACT

The study underscores that migration decisions among Muslim Filipinos are shaped not only by demographic and socioeconomic push and pull factors, including religious and cultural norms. This study used the 2018 National Migration Survey Data to examine the differences of Muslim and Non-Muslim Filipinos’ migration experiences. It highlights the migration decision making of the Muslim Filipinos across migration types (internal only, international only, both internal and international), focusing on the decision makers and the reasons for moving. The migration networks of and assistance received by Muslim migrants during their first international move and last internal move in the past five years were examined alongside their decision to migrate. Findings reveal that while the majority of Muslims and non-Muslims have had migration experiences, a higher proportion of Muslims have international migration experience, while there are more non-Muslim with internal migration experience. Findings reveal that internal migration decisions are largely collective, driven by varied reasons such as employment, education, housing, and family reunification. In contrast, international migration decisions are predominantly individual, with employment as the primary driver. Gender and education significantly influence migration decision-making patterns, wherein men's and their spouses’ consent are the main determinants for internal migration decision-making, while women exercise autonomy in overseas migration decisions. International Muslim migrant women were concentrated in low-skilled sectors and those with a lower level of educational attainment (elementary), while migrants with higher education, both men and women, are the dominant internal migrants within the Philippines. Weak migration networks and low educational attainment among international migrants amplify vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Policy recommendations include investment in education and skills development, strengthened local migration policies to incorporate Islam-friendly and gender-sensitive provisions, establishment of migration resource centers and digital support networks, and support for the creation of more local Muslim Friendly jobs in the Philippines.

Keywords: Filipino Muslims, Muslim migration, migration decision-making, internal migration, international migration