Comparative Analysis of Documented and Undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers in Korea

This study compares perceptions on workplace environments and examines the wage determinants of documented and undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Korea. The empirical analysis and rationale behind OFWs’ irregular working statuses in Korea are also investigated. Based on a survey of 103 respondents, namely 52 documented and 51 undocumented workers, OFWs perceive overall working conditions as satisfactory and do not find serious discrimination in the treatment from employers between the workers of various nationalities. Using regression analysis, we show that age, legal status, and Korean language proficiency are associated with the monthly earnings of OFWs.