Reaching Migrants Where They Are

How USAID uses social media to help isolated and exploited Filipino migrant workers

A migrant worker looks longingly at the gates inside the shelter compound she lives in. / Misty Keasler, Winrock, for USAID

Nearly 2 million Filipino migrant workers work across the globe, and many are at risk of exploitation as a result of isolated living conditions, discrimination, language barriers, and insufficient legal protections.

Judy* thought she had secured a job as a housekeeper in Japan, but instead was taken by ferry to Malaysia and forced to work as a night hostess.

In the Middle East, Maria* endured the grueling demands of 18- to 20-hour work days without pay for three relentless years.

The one outside connection migrants are often able to maintain to the outside world is via social media. While social media can exacerbate negative stereotypes about migrants and spread misinformation, it also serves as a powerful platform for change. Through social media, migrants can access information, connect with support networks, and amplify their voices to raise awareness about their challenges.

It’s in this domain that USAID has partnered with Migrasia, a social enterprise that seeks to eliminate the systemic exploitation of migrant workers around the world. Through their social media platform, Migrasia reaches some 2.5 million migrants throughout the world. To activate the support system, a migrant clicks a start button on Facebook Messenger to ask a specialist for help.

A migrant sits on a bench facing the wall of a house. / Misty Keasler, Winrock, for USAID

The majority of the migrants that reach out are Filipino; last year, USAID expanded the social media support system to Indonesian workers active on Facebook.

With USAID support, Migrasia trained and deployed former migrants and immediate family members to disseminate vital updates on labor rights, advised migrants on submitting grievances directly to active online migrant communities, and referred migrants to support services.

Last year, with direct support from the trained migration specialists, USAID and Migrasia helped 64 individuals repatriate to their respective countries, while ensuring employers refunded more than $75,000 to 62 victims for labor rights violations such as unlawful termination, unpaid wages, and overcharged recruitment fees.

In addition, last year USAID provided information to more than 32,400 migrants and helped resolve 779 cases by providing legal support, complaint review, and dispute resolution.

Liberty Bognadon, a migration specialist with Migrasia, raises her hand to share her role in helping migrants. / Pathumporn Thongking, USAID

This pioneering approach of meeting migrants where they are is crucial in providing the help they desperately seek.

Liberty Bognadon is one of nine full-time social media migration specialists at Migrasia helping those seeking to escape lives of enslavement as trafficked workers.

“Having been an overseas Filipino worker myself, I understand the relief and comfort that comes from having someone guide you through any employment-related challenges you might face abroad,” said Liberty, a Migrasia migration specialist.

“It’s fulfilling to be able to offer help and guidance to migrant workers, making them know that support is available, regardless of the distance.”

In Judy’s case, her sister reported her missing, suspecting human trafficking. The migration specialist team took on the case via social media and began planning a rescue operation. With the coordination of multiple agencies, Judy arrived back home in less than two weeks.

In Maria’s case, her family was determined to bring her back home. With the help of social media migration specialists and several organizations, the family orchestrated a remarkable rescue. Not only did they secure Maria’s return, but they also managed to reclaim a year of her unpaid wages, delivering some justice for the treacherous years that she suffered as a trafficked migrant worker.

Two migrants sit as they wait for their work day to begin. / Misty Keasler, Winrock, for USAID

“Being part of this project has been a privilege, knowing I can make a significant difference in migrants’ lives,” Liberty said.

By harnessing the potential of social media, USAID partners, anti-trafficking advocates, and organizations can mobilize resources, advocate for policy change, and promote the rights and dignity of migrants, helping them reduce their exposure to human trafficking and exploitation.

*Names changed to protect the victims’ privacy.

About the Author

Sienna Baron is the Communications and Coordination Specialist for the General Development Office at USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia.