Before the suspension of the service, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai has successfully given out Dh730 financial assistance to several Filipinos affected by the impact of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
One of those who were able to get the onetime financial assistance prior to the suspension is Limuel John Abelilla, an Overseas Filipino Worker who has been in the UAE for three years, and whose contract has not been renewed as her company underwent reorganization due to COVID-19 crisis.
READ ALSO: Terminated employee shares how she claimed her Dh730 financial assistance from POLO-OWWA Abu Dhabi
He said that he went to Abu Dhabi to be with his sister since he no longer had the money to pay for rent in Dubai
Abelilla shared that upon learning that the Philippine government would be providing support for overseas Filipinos with the same situation as his, he immediately checked the requirements he needed to submit to avail of the financial assistance.
“Nag-send po ako noong nakita ko po yung post sa page po ng Philippine Consulate General in Dubai last April 10. Nag-ayos kaagad ako ng requirements na kailangan at sinundan ko po ang instruction nila kung paano po ang gagawin,” he said.
Shortly after he submitted the requirements, he received an email from the Consulate, saying his application was approved, and that he will be notified about the schedule of remittance soon.
After a few weeks, he said that he only found out about the transfer of the money from an employee of remittance center, Al Ansari Exchange, where he is a member. He noted that it was that employee who informed him that the money has been transferred to his account.
Abelilla said he is yet to receive a confirmation message from POLO Dubai itself.
Asked about what he is going to do about the assistance, he Abelilla answered: “Gagamitin po sa pang araw araw na gastusin kagaya ng pangkain para maka-survive habang nasa crisis.”
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office Dubai and Northern Emirates announced on April 20 the suspension of the onetime financial assistance rolled out by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for displaced OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This follows the directive from DOLE to halt the online application for the cash aid. Starting April 21, the link for the submission of applications will no longer accept responses, according to POLO Dubai.
Meanwhile, those who have pending applications and are yet to receive financial assistance will be “subject to availability of funds”.
Earlier, DOLE said in a statement that it has been swamped with volumes of requests, depleting available funds.
SEE ALSO: POLO Dubai suspends application for one-time financial aid
