The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) is working on measures to determine how overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could be repatriated amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
Nograles said during a televised public briefing that a technical working group is currently crafting guidelines to send home land-based and sea-based OFWs, GMA News reported.
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“Ang IATF TWG ay inaatasan din na ayusin ang pamantayan para sa pagpapauwi ng mga OFW, land-based man o ‘yung mga sea-based,” he said.
The IATF earlier backed the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) proposal to unleash Php 1.5 billion financial aid meant to assist OFWs during the pandemic.
Affected OFWs will receive Php 10,000 peso worth one-time assistance provided that they will submit a certificate of employment issued by their respective agencies.
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A total of 335 OFWs were diagnosed with COVID-19 including four deaths, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Two fatalities were reported in Europe while one fatality was recorded in Asia-Pacific and Middle East-Africa regions respectively.
