A total of fifty-eight (58) OFWs from Syria and Kuwait will arrive today, Monday, 06 August 2012 in two separate flights, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said. Sixteen OFWs from Syria will arrive at the NAIA via Emirates Airways flight EK 332 at 4:35 P.M., while 42 OFWs from Syria and Kuwait will arrive later in the same flight via Emirates Airways flight EK 334 at 10:10 in the evening.
OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon reported the arrival of the workers to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz saying that the distressed workers from Syria availed of the government's Mandatory Repatriation Program as tension continue to escalate in the said country. Those repatriated from Kuwait on the other hand, experienced contract violations such as unpaid/delayed salaries, mistreatment/maltreatment, among others. Returnees were temporarily housed at the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC).
The OWWA Repatriation Team will be at the airport to extend necessary assistance in going through immigration and customs formalities. The OFWs will be oriented on the government's Reintegration Program specifically on the DOLE and OWWA's "Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay" Program, the Livelihood Assistance Program and the Php2 B
OFW Reintegration Program of the OWWA and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).
The DOLE-NRCO-OWWA will conduct skills assessment, business counseling and provides Entrepreneurship Development Training to interested returning OFWs after which they are offered the "Balik-Pinas,Balik-Hanapbuhay" or Livelihood Assistance Program which provides 'starter kits' worth a maximum of Php8,500.00 or Php10,000.00 livelihood assistance to start up a micro business.
Should the returnees need capitalization amounting to Php300,000.00 to Php2 million, they can avail of the Php2B Reintegration Fund at 7.5% per annum, and payable up to maximum of seven (7) years. This program is implemented by OWWA-NRCO in partnership with LBP and DBP. The Reintegration Package is available in all 17 OWWA Regional Offices nationwide. Some of the repatriates will be temporarily accommodated at the OWWA Halfway Home. Some will be provided assistance with their transportation needs for their home-bound travel. A stress debriefing/counseling will also be conducted
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