DOLE reassures repatriated OFWs of reintegration services

Overseas Filipino workers availing of repatriation from troubled countries were reassured of “focused and comprehensive” reintegration services from the Department of Labor and Employment.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the package of services falls under the department’s “Assist WELL,” to ensure OFWs are reintegrated in mainstream society.

“It is true that many OFWs are hesitant to come home even if the country where they work are in the middle of crisis, or are experiencing political conflict because of their apprehension of being dislocated. The Assist WELL Program aims to address this concern,” Baldoz said.

She assured OFW repatriates from countries experiencing crisis situations or emergencies such as Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kenya, of a “safe and smooth return.”

Under the program:

– the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration heads the welfare assistance committee, provides airport assistance; temporary shelter and accommodation; transport assistance to residence; emergency medical assistance; and stress debriefing.

– the employment assistance committee provides job placement/referral for local employment or overseas employment; and competency assessment and certification for repatriated workers who wish to confirm whether they possess the competencies required in a preferred workplace. This committee is headed by DOLE Undersecretary Reydeluz Conferido.

– livelihood assistance committee headed by DOLE Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad, which provides entrepreneurial development training; livelihood skills training; hands-on business mentoring and support; and business loan assistance.

Repatriated workers can avail of three programs under livelihood:

– P2-billion Reintegration Loan Fund for OWWA members
– Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay for distressed OFWs
– P10,000 Livelihood Assistance for non-documented workers.

The legal assistance committee headed by POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, provides legal advice; conciliation proceedings to afford repatriated workers and their recruitment agencies a venue to discuss the possibility of amicable settlement; assistance in the preparation and filing of complaints for illegal recruitment, recruitment violation, and disciplinary action cases; and counseling during preliminary investigation and hearings of criminal cases for illegal recruitment.

“All concerned DOLE implementing agencies have been directed to allocate and commit funds for the implementation of the Assist WELL Program,” Baldoz said.

A steering committee chaired by Baldoz oversees the Assist WELL Program. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News