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Last batch of repatriated OFWs from Kuwait arrives in PH

The last batch of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) who have been repatriated from Kuwait under the amnesty program have arrived in the Philippines on Monday, April 23.

Atleast 200 OFWs on board Qatar Airways Flight QR 934 arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at around 7 in the morning.

The OFWs, all domestic helpers, were accompanied by ACTS-OFW Rep. John Bertiz, Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, Foreign Affairs Office of Public Diplomacy Acting Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato, and Consul General Pendosina Lomondot during the flight. They were welcomed at NAIA by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Each of the OFWs received Php5,000 financial assistance from the Philippine government.

Cayetano clarified that OFWs still in Kuwait can still apply for repatriation, however, with penalties.

“We will continue to process people para ma-repatriate, pero hindi na under the amnesty program, bale ‘yung regular na. For example, dati may nag-overstaying, so may penalties iyon,” Cayetano said.

“Iyon ang net effect nun. Makakauwi naman sila (OFWs), marami nga lang paperwork,” he also said.

The registration for the amnesty program, which ended yesterday, April 22, aims to allow undocumented OFWs to repatriate to the Philippines without facing any criminal charges.

After the deadline, Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa said Kuwaiti authorities may conduct door-to-door visits to hunt undocumented workers.

The Philippine Embassy has coordinated with Kuwaiti authorities to shorten the period arrested OFWs will spend in prison.
“Kahit matapos ang amnesty period, aking ipinaaabot sa mga kababayan natin sa Kuwait na patuloy na tutulong tayo sa ating mga kababayan dito para sila ay makauwi at iyong mga suliranin sa kanilang employer ay pinaigting ang rescue operations ng embassy,” Villa said.

PHOTO: INQUIRER.NET

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