[Sponsored Post] Statistics on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipino immigrants continue to be an important source of money remittances to the Philippines, providing a vital lifeline for their families. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact size due to money flowing though unofficial channels, World Bank estimates peg the amount at $24 billion in 2012.

In a span of four decades, the number of deployed OFWs has skyrocketed from 36,035 in 1972 to an estimated 2.2 million in 2011. Four out of five OFWs choose to stay within the Asian continent, with the Middle East serving as top destination (44%) followed by Singapore and Hong Kong.

The largest segment of OFWs, 32.7%, comprise of laborers and unskilled workers, with household service workers topping the list of occupations. The second largest group of OFWs are in the nursing profession.

Here are more statistics on OFWs.

Profile of ofws | Population occupation and remittance statistics - An infographic by Sterling Regalo