Transnational social networks and development : a case study of Filipino nurses in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Abstract

This paper fleshes out Filipino transnationalism as experienced by migrant nurses in Halifax. The first part of transnational circle is the migration of professionals, traveling to Canada from the Philippines through Saudi Arabia; the second part involves economic and social remittances sent by the migrants to the Philippines. Transnationalism therefore refers to migration of people, funds, services and ideas remitted. As this thesis traces transnational networks utilized by the migrants and as it explores the impact of remittances in the Philippines, unequal transactions take place among parties implicated which amount to migrant exploitation. Payment of placement fees in exchange for overseas jobs becomes a necessity despite the fact that both laws of receiving and sending countries are violated. While exporting of high quality human capital comes at a short and long-term cost to individuals, families, communities and the country, it becomes a necessity in the context of Philippine development strategy.