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1.2 million OFWs get repatriation, reintegration aid

Through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), almost 1.2 million overseas Filipino workers were provided repatriation and reintegration services, financial aid, and other assistance this year.

According to DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, 1,170,514 OFWs were included in different welfare and protection programs of OWWA, DOLE regional offices, and other attached agencies.

From July 2017 to October 2017, 36,438 OFWs, 19,268 of which are from the Middle East, have been repatriated, and were given on-site assistance and a financial aid worth P20,000. Additional cash grants of P6,000 were also given to 9,512 repatriated OFWs, while 13,245 were supplied with food and toiletries.

On the same months, DOLE’s reintegration program has helped 54,470 OFWs and their respective families. Out of that number, 28,256 OFWs underwent skills training, while 26,214 were granted livelihood assistance.

After the 90-day amnesty program of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for undocumented and stranded foreign nationals, 15,839 OFWs who availed the amnesty were also recorded by OWWA; 10,011 of which were able to return home to the Philippines.

DOLE, under the Operation Bring-Them-Home of OWWA, also released a total of P514,412,350.21 to provide various assistance to OFWs in the Middle East.

OWWA gave post-repatriation and welfare services, such as food and hygiene kits, legal counseling and stress debriefing, medical and psycho-social services, and training assistance to 14,165 OFWs; 1,630 of which were signed up for employment facilitation or training; and 2,625 were given livelihood assistance.

In addition, 4,829 OFWs received legal assistance; 354 OFWs were given small to medium enterprises; and 384 OFWs were provided with educational assistance.

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