Six out of 10 Filipinos open to live or work abroad - OCTA

16 Jun 2026 • 12:30 PM MYT
The Manila Times
The Manila Times

One of the longest-running English broadsheets in the Philippines

Six out of 10 Filipinos open to live or work abroad - OCTA

MANILA, Philippines - Nearly six out of 10 Filipinos say that they are willing to live or work abroad if given the opportunity, according to a survey conducted by OCTA Research.  

In its Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from March 19-25, 2026, 57 percent of respondents said they are willing to migrate overseas to live or work, while 39 percent said that they will not.

OCTA said that the finding suggests ghag migration remains a "mainstream aspiration among Filipinos rather than a preference limited to specific sectors of society, and continues to occupy an important place in how many Filipinos envision economic advancement, career development, and long-term family well-being,". 

Balanced Luzon respondents showed the highest willingness to live or work abroad at 59 percent, while younger Filipinos ages 18-34 were the highest among age groups who want to live or work overseas at a combined 75 percent. 

The survey had 1,200 respondents and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent nationwide.