In light of recent tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced financial aid and additional benefits for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel.
Undersecretary Hans Cacdac, the officer-in-charge of the DMW, confirmed the department’s commitment. “We are ready to extend all necessary aid and services to our countrymen who have chosen to voluntarily return to avoid the ongoing violence,” Cacdac remarked.
This initiative came to light as 18 OFWs landed from Israel on Friday. This group consisted of 14 caregivers and four caretakers. They follow an initial batch of 16 OFWs who arrived last Wednesday.
According to the DMW, each returning OFW will be granted P100,000, a combined effort of the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Moreover, these repatriates can also expect to avail skills training and financial support from the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
In addition to financial aid, these returning OFWs will undergo both physical and psychological evaluations courtesy of the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Furthermore, the children of these OFWs will be given appropriate financial assistance by the DSWD.