Kuwait city: Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac is set to visit Kuwait next week to assess the condition of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as more individuals seek repatriation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac, during a press briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Thursday, assured that the Philippine government continues to monitor the situation in Kuwait, as well as in other affected countries in the region. He reported that 9,038 Filipinos have already been repatriated and emphasized the continuation of repatriation flights, especially from Kuwait, as more OFWs are expressing the desire to return home.
Cacdac highlighted the collaboration of the DMW with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other government agencies, indicating a comprehensive team effort to address the crisis. Financial assistance has been extended to approximately 17,517 OFWs. Of these, 9,822 opted to return to the Philippines, while 7,695 remained overseas but experienced disruptions in work hours, salaries, or shifts due to the ongoing tension.
Those workers who chose to stay in their host country received USD200 on-site financial assistance, while repatriated workers received additional support, including PHP10,000 cash from the DMW's Aksyon Fund. OWWA also provides PHP10,000 cash assistance, complemented by support from partner agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offers free training vouchers for upskilling, and the Department of Health provides free health check-ups. The Department of Labor and Employment assists repatriated OFWs in securing new employment opportunities.
Cacdac noted that some OFWs who initially covered their own travel expenses during the early stages of repatriation, but were affected by canceled flights, received government financial assistance. Additionally, the DMW is bolstering its reintegration support through the National Reintegration Network.
Cacdac reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing repatriation efforts and the provision of necessary support to ensure the safe and orderly return of affected OFWs, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.
