ABSTRACT
Unfavourable economic conditions in the Philippines, combined with the enhanced preference of high-income countries to outsource housework, have led to an increase in Filipina women offering domestic services overseas. Indeed, the Philippine government encourages citizens to seek overseas opportunities due to a high internal unemployment rate, with host countries enjoying the benefits of low-paid foreign labour. However, Filipina migrant domestic workers are often subjected to restrictive and disadvantageous labour and migration policies, leaving these women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. This chapter presents a critical, non-systematic review of current literature examining mental health in Filipina migrant domestic workers, stressors faced by these workers, effective coping strategies that enhance resilience, and the complexity of mental health attitudes within the workers’ community. Recommendations to scholars for future areas of study are also presented.
