ofw-repatriation-assistance-program

OWWA Repatriation Program: How to Apply for OFWs

According to law, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration must create an emergency repatriation fund in order to immediately evacuate Overseas Filipino Workers during disasters, epidemics, or conflicts in their host country. Hence, the repatriation assistance program is designed for OFWs who need to return to the Philippines due to unforeseen events.

This assistance is available through the Consulate, Philippine Embassy, or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (now called Migrant Workers Office) in various countries where there are OFWs. In times of calamities, whether man-made or natural, the OWWA is ready to repatriate Filipino migrant workers through the help of foreign agencies in affected countries.

The OWWA will take care of all the costs incurred in repatriating OFWs if the recruitment agency or sponsor can’t be found. Initially, the Philippine government allotted Php 100,000,000 as emergency repatriation fund including any outstanding balances under the supervision and administration of the agency.

What Is the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program

The OWWA Repatriation Program is an assistance wherein the OWWA helps OFWs return to the country safely. Repatriation includes assisting returning migrant workers, mentally or physically ill OFWs, and even human remains or belongings. During natural disasters or civil instability, the OWWA carries out emergency repatriation for affected OFWs.

The repatriation team works with Local Government Units and other government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Southern Philippines Medical Center to provide assistance to distressed OFWs. In case the recruitment agency or principal can’t be contacted, the OWWA will shoulder the costs of the repatriation.

Benefits of OWWA Repatriation Program

The OWWA is given an emergency repatriation fund in order to assist returning OFWs, from their host country back to the Philippines. The benefits and services of the repatriation program include airport assistance, stress debriefing, psychosocial therapy, temporary accommodation via the OWWA Halfway House, packed meals, free transportation to quarantine facilities, free quarantine accommodations, and transportation fares and facilities to different provinces.

Any OFW who experiences all kinds of abuse, or those who are affected by conflicts in the country where they work should have immediate access to POLO or OWWA’s repatriation services. It’s advised to contact the nearest POLO office in case a Filipino migrant worker needs to seek repatriation assistance.

OWWA Repatriation Loan Programs

In addition to the repatriation services that OWWA provides for OFWs across the world, the agency also offers loan programs and financial grants in order to help displaced and distressed Filipino migrant workers recover and get back on their feet. If you’re interested in the repatriation loan, check out the following programs that qualified returning OFWs can get cash assistance from:

Qualifications for OWWA Repatriation Program

There is a list of documentary requirements to submit when applying for the OWWA Repatriation Program. But before that, it’s important to consider the qualifications in order to see whether you meet them or not. Of course, you must meet the following:

  •  Must be a Filipino citizen
  • Active or non-active OFW
  • Land-based or sea-based migrant worker

Requirements

Below are the requirements you need to complete before submitting an application for the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program:

  • Copy of a valid Philippine passport
  • Copy of the Exit Visa
  • Active mobile phone number
  • Current home address or local residence

How to Apply for OWWA Repatriation Program

All OFWs are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the repatriation process so that the concerned agencies can help them immediately during trying times. You need to meet the qualifications and secure all the documentary requirements before you can apply for the OWWA Repatriation Program for OFWs.

If you need repatriation assistance abroad, make sure to follow these steps in order to get immediate assistance from the POEA, POLO, OWWA, or any designated office near you:

Step 1: Go to the Philippine Embassy, POLO, or Consulate office in your area.

Step 2: Prepare a copy of the Exit Visa issued by the Passport Office or via online application.

Step 3: Accomplish the form for OWWA repatriation assistance.

Step 4: Get a repatriation program request form from the agency.

Step 5: Wait for the Embassy’s response to the letter of request.

For the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Form, you can fill it out online through the OFW Assistance Information System form. You need to accomplish the application form within five days before your flight. If you can’t accomplish the form online, you can download the form via DOLE OASIS Form at https://oasis.owwa.gov.ph/ and print it.

You can download the document and print it through this link: https://www.dole.gov.ph/php_assets/uploads/2020/06/OASIS-Form-as-of-9-June-2020-9-pm.pdf. When filling out the physical copy of the application form, make sure that all personal details are clearly visible and accurate. Once you’re done, submit it to any authorized personnel of POLO, POEA, OWWA, or DOLE.

General Guidelines to Consider

  • When you fill out the DOLE-OASIS Form, you automatically provide your personal information to OWWA, POEA, DOLE, and POLO. This allows these agencies to centralize OFW information so that they can easily act during emergency situations and respond to requests or concerns.
  • You should accomplish the DOLE-OASIS Form within five days prior to your departure flight back to the Philippines.
  • You can register for DOLE-OASIS online to quickly update personal details in case you need immediate repatriation assistance or other OWWA services.
  • If you can’t contact the nearest OWWA-POLO office, it’s highly advised to reach out to your recruitment agency for repatriation assistance. All registered manning and recruitment agencies are required to provide repatriation assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers. These agencies can register OFWs on their behalf so they have access to their personal details for repatriation application purposes only. In addition, these agencies must report to POEA the list of OFWs who need repatriation assistance, including their departure flight details, location details, and other important information.
  • Applicants may still be required to fill out the e-CIF Form before they are repatriated to the country for quarantine and immigration clearance.

Video: OFW Tulong Para Maka Uwi ng Pilipinas

In this video, you will learn everything about the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program including the qualifications, requirements, processing tips, and other helpful guidelines to ensure that you can get immediate action from OWWA, POEA, POLO, or DOLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about the OWWA Repatriation Program and the answers you need to know:

1. What should I do if I need to go home for emergency reasons?

If you need to return to the Philippines due to war, epidemic, or other unforeseen events in your host country, you should secure an Exit Visa before you will be allowed to leave the country.

2. How can I obtain an Exit Visa?

To obtain an Exit Visa, ask your employer to apply for the Exit Visa online, or visit the Passport Office for your Exit Visa application. You can also request the POLO or Embassy to process your Exit Visa with the Passport Office if you’re an undocumented OFW, don’t have a valid employer, have an expired passport, or don’t have a valid passport.

3. How to get my Exit Visa approved?

To get your Exit Visa approved, you need to conclude your criminal case as well as the individual’s private rights who filed the case if there’s any. You can accomplish the Philippine Red Cross Case Investigation Form online via this link: https://ecif.redcross.org.ph/.

4. What should I do if I can’t book a flight?

If you can’t book a flight for your repatriation, you can contact the nearest POLO or your recruitment agency to help you schedule a flight. You are required to provide a flight schedule going back to the Philippines prior to repatriation.

5. Is the Exit Visa the same as a travel document?

No, your Exit Visa is not considered a travel document. However, it is a requirement for returning OFWs before they leave their host country for repatriation.

6. What does repatriation exactly mean?

Repatriation refers to the process of repatriating or returning an individual, his/her remains, or his/her belongings to his/her home country. This doesn’t basically mean a financial benefit, but it does offer some benefits for Overseas Filipino Workers who are affected by public health, environmental, economic, or political crises. Also, the OWWA offers loans and other programs through repatriation assistance to help displaced or distressed OFWs go home safely.

Summary

It’s one of the major concerns of every Overseas Filipino Worker to get caught up with unforeseen events such as political conflicts, epidemics, or wars in the country where they are currently working. Knowing how to process and claim repatriation services from OWWA is a huge help for our modern-day heroes abroad.

owwa hasc program humanitarian assistance for saudi claims

HASC-OWWA Program: Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration continues to provide services and programs that align with the needs of Overseas Filipino Workers around the world. These OWWA services and programs include one-time financial assistance such as the Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program. If you’re working in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for this claims program and get some cash assistance.

Repatriated OFWs from Saudi Arabia due to the economic downturn between January 2016 to December 2019 are eligible to claim a certain amount through this program. However, there is a process to follow as well as qualifications and requirements to meet before applying. Make sure to check out this guide if you’re interested to apply in the HASC-OWWA Program.

What Is the HASC-OWWA Program?

The Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program or HASC-OWWA Program is a one-time financial assistance for OFWs who were repatriated to the country from 2016 to 2019 because of the economic downturn and still have an ongoing money claim in the Saudi Labor Court. You can apply online via the online application portal by providing your personal information which is protected by the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The information provided in the application will be used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and OWWA to process claims by qualified OFWs. As of this writing, there were 36 displaced OFWs in Saudi Arabia that composed the pioneering batch who already received their cash aid from the Philippine government.

Benefits of the HASC-OWWA Program

The main benefit of the HASC-OWWA Program is the cash aid amounting to Php 10,000 provided by the government. This is available for OFWs who still have unpaid wages in Saudi since 2016 due to the recession. The first batch received an amount of Php 10,000 from the DSWD and an additional amount of Php 5,000 from OWWA.

HASC is the government’s financial intervention for OFWs who were displaced due to the closure of establishments and companies in Saudi Arabia including the Mohammad Al Mojil Group of Companies and Saudi Oger Ltd to name a few. The assistance will benefit repatriated Filipino migrant workers as they wait for their claims settlement from the Saudi Labor Court.

Requirements for HASCC-OWWA Online Application

Qualified applicants must complete a set of requirements before they can apply for HASC-OWWA Program. Below is a list of documentary requirements you need to secure:

  • Valid Philippine passport

  • Active email address

  • Active phone number

  • Current home address

  • Copy of OFW valid government ID

How to Apply for the HASC-OWWA Program

Once you have secured all the requirements, you can now proceed to the application. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to submit your HASC-OWWA Program application online:

Step 1: Go to the Humanitarian Assistance for Saudi Claims Program by clicking on this link: https://hasc.owwa.gov.ph/ and then tap the Apply button.

Step 2: You will be directed to the HASC-OWWA Program online form. Supply all the required details including your full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, contact number, email address, and so on.

Step 3: In case you have a representative, claimants must provide their personal information including their relationship to you, full name, civil status, date of birth, and the required documents such as a valid government ID of the OFW.

Step 4: Upload the copy of OFW’s valid government ID, then review the statements before you check each box.

Step 5: Confirm that you are not a robot before clicking on the Submit Application button.

Video: How to Apply Php 10,000 OWWA HASC Humanitarian Aid

In this video, you will learn how to process your HASC-OWWA Program application via the online portal. It also includes all other important details that will help you complete all the requirements and then successfully claim cash assistance from OWWA or DWSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is the cash assistance given with the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims package?

The Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program offers financial assistance of up to Php 10,000 for displaced OFWs from Saudi Arabia since 2016 due to the economic downturn. They are Filipino migrant workers who seek unpaid wages after construction companies and establishments have closed during the recession.

2. What are the government agencies that implement the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program?

The Philippine government agencies that implement the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program are the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration through the help of the Department of Migrant Workers abroad.

3. What are the requirements when applying for Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims?

The requirements you need for your HASC-OWWA Program application include a passport, valid email address, phone number, home address, and a copy of the OFW valid government ID. Additional documents may be required by the DSWD or OWWA to process applications.

4. Can I apply for the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program of OWWA?

The main qualification for OFWs who are interested to apply for the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims is that they must be a displaced migrant worker from Saudi who lost their jobs in 2016 due to the economic downturn.

5. How can I apply for the HASC-OWAA Program?

To apply for the HASC-OWWA Program, go to https://hasc.owwa.gov.ph/ and then fill out the online form with your personal information. Check all the details and review the terms before clicking on the Submit Application button.

Summary

At this point, you have all the information you need to apply for the Humanitarian Aid for Saudi Claims Program implemented by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Make sure you are qualified before applying for this special financial assistance provided by the government in order to enjoy the benefits that come with it.

owwa truck ayos truck

OWWA Ayos Truck: What It Is and How to Avail Services

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration aims to continuously reinforce its support for Overseas Filipino Workers and their families in terms of their welfare and needs. The OWWA Ayos Truck project provides OFWs with safe and efficient transportation during calamities. In emergencies, operations must be smooth and fast so that there will be no casualties among families.

These trucks will be available in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to provide immediate relief assistance to those affected by calamities in their area. While OWWA provides financial support to OFWs and their families during volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, storms, and other natural calamities, the OWWA Ayos Truck will provide a more responsive solution to their immediate needs. The main purpose is to ensure that they are safe and sound when disasters hit them.

owwa truck ayos truck

What is the OWWA Ayos Truck?

The OWWA Ayos Truck is a government project that aims to secure OFWs and their families during disasters. These vehicles will respond immediately to families with their built-in Wi-Fi equipment to ensure real-time communication. The trucks are also equipped with a kitchen and bathroom in order to meet the basic needs during a calamity. Basically, the trucks are deployed to do their job in the most practical and convenient way.

If you get inside the state-of-the-art rescue vehicle, you will notice the modern amenities that offer ultimate comfort for OFWs who are stressed due to the calamity that hit them. The collapsible stage makes it easier to accommodate everyone who needs to enter the truck to eat, take a bath, make a video call, or get medical help in the clinic.

Features and Benefits for OWWA Members

When it comes to welfare services, the OWWA Ayos Truck symbolizes the eagerness of the Philippine government to deliver the best solutions that OFWs need in times of emergencies not just here in the country, but also all over the world. The deployment of the trucks aligns with the social responsibility issues and aims to have a positive impact on the lives of all OFWs.

The effort and commitment of OWWA to empower and assist OFWs while ensuring their safety during critical times make it a more meaningful welfare service. These 10-wheeler trucks are designed as a rescue vehicle with mission-built features. Here are some of the best features of the OWWA Ayos Truck:

  • Equipped with an in-line six 6.4 liters turbocharged diesel engine

  • 850 Nm of torque and 235 hp power

  • Reverse Elliot axles on the front

  • Fully-floating axle on rear

  • Semi-elliptic suspension system with auxiliary springs on the front

  • Semi-elliptic with auxiliary springs on the rear

With a solid in-line six 6.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine, the 10-wheeler truck can generate up to 850 Nm of torque and 235 hp. Its standard specifications allow the truck to run through tough roads and still move efficiently without any problem. The OWWA Ayos Truck has a sleeping area, Wi-Fi connection, and other amenities for ultimate comfort and convenience.

Below are the benefits of having the Ayos Truck for immediate response to victims of calamities:

  • Powerful lights to use during rescues at night

  • Wide LED screen for video-calling

  • Mini clinic for minor wounds and first-aid needs

  • Sound system for loud and clear announcements

  • Two generators for emergency charging

  • Hot and/or cold shower for a quick bath

  • Collapsible stage

How to Avail OWWA Ayos Truck Services

Ayos trucks are strategically located in key areas in the Philippines including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. OWWA ensures that these emergency trucks will provide relief assistance to OFW families and save them from calamities. If you’re interested in availing of the Ayos Truck assistance service in your area, you can contact the nearest OWWA office to inquire about the procedure.

As of this writing, it is unclear whether there are requirements to submit or qualifications to meet in order to benefit from the said program. However, you can simply contact the relevant office to clarify this and get some tips on how to maximize your benefits and financial assistance through the welfare services that are currently available for qualified OFWs and their dependents.

If you live in a disaster-prone area, make sure to have contact with OWWA to seek immediate help. The rescue vehicle is equipped with all the necessary features that can help save lives in times of need. The two generators for each truck allow evacuees to charge their phones and other mobile devices to contact their loved ones and give updates on their situation. There’s an LED screen where OFWs can make video calls to their families.

Video: Sneak Peek sa Ating AYOS Trucks na Ready nang Umarangkada sa Daan! #TatakOWWA #OWWA #OWWACares

https://web.facebook.com/watch/?v=1392612104677108

In this video, you will get a sneak peek of the newest OWWA Ayos truck including what’s inside, and all the features, and specifications that you should know. It will give you an idea of how efficient the rescue vehicle will be, which will be stationed in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to help OFWs and their families during calamities.

Summary

At this point, you now have an idea of what the OWWA Ayos Truck program is and how to avail of the service during calamities. Keep in mind that it is currently being implemented and that more trucks will be deployed across the Philippines to make sure all OFWs will be rescued during national emergencies including volcanic eruptions and storms. The vehicles are equipped with practical features to provide immediate relief to victims of calamities.

With the continuous effort of OWWA to help OFWs and their families, expect for more government-led initiatives to be implemented. The goal is to make life much easier for modern-day heroes, especially when it comes to response to natural disasters. OWWA aims to save more lives and reduce any casualties during the onslaught of typhoons and other calamities. So make sure to take advantage of the OWWA Ayos Truck in case you encounter an emergency in your location.

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