Age is wealth

FROM the date of birth, the countdown to non- productivity begins. Officially, a Filipino becomes part of the labor force at age 15.

In July 2018, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported there were 71.5 million Filipinos, 15 years old and over. Close to 43 million are in the labor force, and 28.5 million out of it.

Labor participation peaks between the age 15 to 24 and declines from then on to age 65. Having a job, however, does not ensure survival, much less on a decent level.

In the Philippines, 21.6 percent of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2015, based on Asian Development Bank data.

Just how much should a Fili-

to survive? Initially, the National Economic and Development Authority ( NEDA) said P10,000 a

being called to task for its unrealistic pronouncement, NEDA head Socioeconomic Planning Secre-

the amount should be P42,000.

Using the highest average daily wage of Filipinos across all industries from PSA data, the average worker gets only P9,622.80 a month, working six days a week.

Little wonder then that those Filipinos who can, aspire to work overseas.

In fact, 2.3 million Filipinos worked abroad during the period April to September 2017; workers from Calabarzon represent the largest proportion. OFWs sent an estimated P205.2 billion in remittances during the same period.

Calabarzon has the largest proportion of OFWs, and it had more female workers 25 to 29 years old and over. Only 1.3 million had post- secondary degree; 5.6 million had college degrees or higher.

A post- secondary degree and college diploma is equated as well with good communications skills and, for those aspiring to

Age, education and language proficiency are the three most important criteria for pursuing a successful career overseas.

Having a job that pays more than thrice what a Filipino worker gets at home is great, even if the job comes with the risk of exposure to disease, decapitation or death.

It is public knowledge that an OFW in the Middle East would want to look for other destinations which would enable them to earn the same if not more than what they are getting in the oil- rich Kingdoms during their productive years.

- tries with permanent migration programs come into view.

Permanent residency in any of these countries ensures not just the same – if not higher earnings – but respect for human rights, access to social services, world class education for OFWs and their children and overall a quality of life for a better future.

Or at least until they have contributed enough to the social security system of the country where they are permanent residents ( or naturalized citizens) of and could then return home to retire—should that be an option—during their golden years.

To qualify for permanent residency

The 2.3 million OFWs are part of the 10 to 12 million Filipinos overseas. Over 4 million are in the US, with the second largest concentration of permanent residents in Canada, the UK and Europe, then Australia and bringing up the rear, New Zealand.

The US admits an average of 1 million yearly in the numerically limited and non- quota classes focusing on family-based migration: 226,000 are allocated for family- sponsored categories, 140,000 for those in various

based categories.

The spouse, minor children and parents of US citizens are exempt from the annual quota, thus bringing the yearly total to over a million.

The three other countries –Australia, Canada and New Zealand – offer a points-based migrant selection system, giving preference to workers in occupations that are in demand or in short supply.

Australia has a current list of eligible occupations including those in the short- and middleterm skills list. New Zealand has the Long- Term Skills Shortage List ( LTSSL). Canada used to have a list of occupations eligible for permanent migration through the Federal Skilled Workers Program ( FSWP).

Currently, skilled workers and professionals in any occupation may pursue permanent residency in Canada as long as they meet the minimum requirements in any of the three federal migration programs ( which include the FSWP) and the Provincial Nomination Program ( PNP). Quebec has its own immigrant selection scheme.

A comparison of each country’s selection criteria is shown to help our OFWs and aspiring immigrants choose the most viable pathway.

All countries prefer younger worker with the best communication skills, since these two factors are essential in pursuing a successful career based on one’s occupation. Younger workers contribute more over a longer period keeping the retirement fund programs viable and dynamic.

Workers contributions ensure receipt of social benefits and services such as free or low-cost comprehensive health insurance coverage, free education, unem-

child care and elderly care programs, to name a few.

Qualifying age

While New Zealand offers migration chances for the 50 to 55- year- old worker, the points for age get lower. Essentially, the aspiring New Zealand skilled migrant must increase the points to be earned in other criteria, particularly the three Es: English, education and experience.

However, it will take time to complete a master’s or doctorate degree. The same with experience. Each year spent towards education and experience reduces

- ciency then becomes the achievable variable to enhance the chance of permanent migration.

In this case, Canada leads

given

the

highest

priority. An

combined with experience and education adds much needed bonus points towards an invitation to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry.

The US does not have an age ceiling, but migration is not points-based. Unless an OFW or aspiring immigrant has a citizen or permanent resident relative eligible for sponsorship, a job offer is required. The immigrant selection system of Canada, Australia and New Zealand allows for migration without arranged employment if the applicant meets the requirement for the other selection criteria.

Age may just be number, but it is one that comes with a wealth of opportunities.