A new batch of OFWs has been sent back home through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.
Last September 24, 63 OFWs have been sent home through the repatriation program of the Philippine Embassy. Most of these OFWs were either undocumented or were in distress prior to their return home.
Latest Batch of OFWs Return Home Through Gov’ts Repatriation Program
According to the DFA, the latest batch of repatriated OFWs from Kuwait is already the sixth group, which benefited from the Embassy-Assisted Repatriation Program (EARP) this year.
Since the beginning of this year, the Philippine Embassy was able to repatriate a total of 327 OFWs.
Consul General Mohd. Noordin Pendosina N. Lomondot and the Embassy Charge d’Affaires accompanied the OFWs from the Embassy until they were able to check in at the Kuwait International Airport as most of these OFWs have absconding cases or expired work visas.
Prior to sending off the batch of OFWs back home, Lomondot explained to the repatriates that this government program is an effort of President Rodrigo Duterte through the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Illegal Residency Monitoring and Immigration Departments in Kuwait.
Moreover, the Philippine Embassy also gave USD 100 (Approx. P5,000) as financial assistance to each OFW.
Lomondot shared, “Hindi dito sa Kuwait nagtatapos ang buhay. Baka nasa ibang lugar ang suwerte natin. Para sa kinabukasan niyo, patuloy na palawakin ang inyong kakayahan tulad ng pag-e-enroll sa TESDA at iba pang mga training institution. Tuloy pa rin ang laban ng buhay.”
(Life does not end here in Kuwait. You may find new opportunities elsewhere. Never stop upgrading your skills and yourself – for your future. You can do this by enrolling in courses offered by TESDA and other training institutions. Life goes on…)
Aside from the one-way ticket from Kuwait to Manila and financial assistance, 24 repatriates also received domestic tickets from NAIA to their provinces.
Furthermore, Filipinos with absconding cases as well as expired visas are encouraged by the Philippine Embassy to take advantage of the EARP and to apply as soon as possible.
Filipinos in Kuwait should always keep in touch with the Philippine Embassy in the country so that they would know more about the programs and services offered by the Philippine government for OFWs, and how they can get help or assistance when stuck in a difficult situation.
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