OWWA provides assistance package to repatriated OFWs from Saudi Arabia
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2018 08:43:48 +0000
MORE than 100 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on December 8 were given financial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in a statement on Saturday that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd released the directives to provide an assistance package, which included P20,000 in financial aid to 109 OFWs.
These workers are part of the total 521 OFWs who were repatriated in December due to unfavorable working conditions in the KSA. Cacdac said that the assistance package is intended to help OFWs for their smooth reintegration as they settle back in the country.
“These were the directives from Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd. We hope that this can help them cope with the daily expenditures,” Cacdac said.
The DoLE reported that 88 of the beneficiaries were from Azmeel Company in Al Khobar, which locked them out and refused to pay their wages.
Meanwhile, contract violations have prompted 18 OFWs from Rakan Trading Contracting Company and four employees from Samama Company to return to the Philippines.
Cacdac said that in addition to the financial aid, the OFWs may also avail of the livelihood assistance program if they should decide to stay in the country.
“Our repatriated OFWs also have the opportunity to apply for a livelihood assistance. A seminar will be arranged for them and they will be required to submit their respective business plans. We will teach them how to do it,” the OWWA chief said.
Other forms of support were airport and transportation assistance and temporary shelter. Legal assistance may also be provided to OFWs who want to file complaints against their employers or recruitment agencies. DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ
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