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Conclusion

This paper has endeavoured to take on the issue
of ASEAN MRAs with respect to its impact on the Philippines.
It discussed the major challenges that need to be harnessed to

maximize its supposed good outcomes. ASEAN countries except
Singapore and Malaysia have yet to be attractive destinations for

Filipino skilled professionals covered by the Asean MRAs. They
seem to be stepping stones for migration to other countries,
particularly for skilled professionals. How host countries treat

and welcome foreigners and skilled foreign workers matters.
Programs to attract foreign talent are come-ons. But these are

dependent on the receptiveness of policymakers and residents,
as in the case of Singapore. While the Asian Development Bank
noted four components to achieving fluid skilled mobility

in the regions, international migration policies and their
implementation can be a fifth component. This is because

migration policies impact on the other four components —
portable qualifications, increasing access to the skilled labor
market, adequate supply of skilled professionals, strong demand

for skilled professionals.

Ultimately, in the light of the prevailing challenges
for skilled migration within ASEAN that has been discussed

in this paper, migration regimes of host countries can be the
overarching challenge. Intra-ASEAN skilled migration becomes

a government commitment in the spirit of regional solidarity.

Policy Forum 143

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