A Philippine official has revealed that many undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), mostly from the Middle East, use Croatia as their gateway to find work in Europe, even without sufficient papers and legal documents.
Philippine Ambassador to Austria H.E. Maria Cleofe Natividad stated that these undocumented OFWs have been severly affected during the pandemic, and assured that the government is currently aiming to send them home as soon as possible.
“They are the most vulnerable kasi iyong kanilang employment contract, iyong kanilang papers ay hindi ayos. Sila ang mga kababayan nating mas naapektuhan nitong COVID pandemic,” said Amb. Natividad.
RELATED STORY: TANONG NG BAYAN: Are undocumented OFWs covered by livelihood aid programs?
The Philippine Embassy in Austria, which has jurisdiction over Croatia, is currently working with the Department of Labor and Employment to provide aid for the workers prior to their repatriation.
“Nakikita nila na dito sa Europa, madaming oportunidad. Ang entry point will be Croatia pagkatapos ay lumilipat sila sa mga ibang bansa na mas (may malaking) oportunidad katulad sa Italy or sa Alemanya so parang nagiging jump-off point,” revealed Natividad.
READ ON: ‘No-show’ OFWs for repatriation to be blacklisted by PH Embassy in Lebanon
Current numbers stated that there are around 600 Filipinos living in Croatia, 50 of whom are undocumented. However, Amb. Natividad states that the actual numbers may be higher.
“Ang sinasabi namin, umuwi muna sa Pilipinas ayusin, at kung kailangan ma-redeploy, kung may pagkakataon uli at saka gawin sa tamang paraan,” advised Natividad.
