DOLE begins processing of aid for OFWs

Bello said the beneficiaries do not only include documented workers but also undocumented workers, as long as they have “undertaken” actions toward regularization or they are active members of OWWA. (File photo by Cristina Arayata)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said it will start processing the release of financial aid for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the various Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) will begin processing the release of the financial assistance after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the release of PHP1.5 billion to the agency.

“Overseas workers, both land-based and sea-based, who have been displaced by a lockdown in a foreign country will be given a one-time financial assistance amounting to PHP10,000 or USD200, or the equivalent amount in their host countries, under the Department of Labor and Employment’s AKAP (Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong) program for OFWs,” he said in a statement.

He added that this assistance program is” good until the available funds are used up”.

Bello said the beneficiaries do not only include documented workers but also undocumented workers, as long as they have “undertaken” actions toward regularization or they are active members of OWWA.

He added that initially the processing and evaluation of the qualified DOLE-AKAP recipients, are those in countries heavily affected by the pandemic, such as those in the Middle East and Africa (Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates).

These also include countries in Europe and the Americas (Canada, Cyprus, Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, U.S.) and Asia (Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, New Zealand.)

Bello said eligibility for the DOLE-AKAP will include Filipinos working abroad infected by the virus provided that they have not received any form of financial assistance from their host government or foreign employer, and those displaced by a Covid-19 lockdown by the governments in their places of work.

To avail of the program “on-site” OFWs must submit the following documents to their respective POLO:

a. Accomplished application form for the special cash assistance which is downloadable at their respective POLO website or social media account;

b. Photocopy of their passport and/or travel documents;

c. Proof of overseas employment, such as a valid OEC, residence ID, visa, reentry-visa etc.

d. Proof of loss of employment on account of the Covid-19 disease; and

e. Proof of a pending case that has caused their current “undocumented status, such as case reference number, case endorsement stamped by the POLO, etc.

On the other hand, the Balik Manggagawa, or repatriated OFWs are required to submit the following documents to their respective regional or local OWWA offices:

a. Accomplished application form for special cash assistance downloadable at www.dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph website;

b. Copy of passport or travel documents;

c. Proof of overseas employment, such as valid OEC, residence ID, visa/re-entry visa, etc. and

d. Proof of loss of employment due to the Covid-19 disease.