Under different circumstances, OFWs return to the Philippines – some in better disposition while others are not. It is for this reason that the Philippine government now integrates financial literacy training for OFWs under the pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) as well as the post-arrival orientation seminar (PAOS).
And while there are already pre-emptive measures set up, there are also on-the-ground provisions offered by the government for repatriated OFWs in difficult situations.
30 Repatriated OFWs from Kuwait Given Assistance by PH Gov’t
Distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were sent back to the Philippines from Kuwait will receive livelihood assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), as shared in a report by the Philippine News Agency.
Among the group who welcomed the 30 distressed OFWs from Kuwait via Gulf Air on Monday (March 4) were Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Bernard Olalia, representing Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, together with officials from OWWA.
As they were welcomed by the officials, Olalia assured the repatriated OFWs that they will be given necessary assistance and legal interventions should they decide to file charges against their foreign employers, as well as their recruitment agencies.
Olalia explained that the government has a number of programs for returning migrant workers, one of which is the Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay, which aims to assist former OFWs set up their own businesses.
Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay, according to the report, is a non-cash livelihood assistance program which offers immediate aid to returning active or inactive OWWA member-OFWs who have been displaced from their jobs due to distressful situations such as war/political conflict in host countries, policy reforms, controls, and changes by host governments; or were victims of illegal recruitment and /or human trafficking, among others.
Under the initiative, qualified OFWs can receive up to PHP 20,000 worth of livelihood assistance which is comprised of business starter kits, tools, and raw materials with the aim to improve their socio-economic well-being.
Aside from providing assistance, Olalia also promised to look into the issues and concerns of the repatriated OFWs to further understand their overall situation in Kuwait, as well as to explore other intervention measures which can be applied to other returning migrant workers in the country.