Forget lounges, provide better OFW protections
There is now a proposal to “give back” to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by providing them 24/7 free comfortable lounges in all international airports in the country.
This was the idea of Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Rep. Wilter Palma who filed House Bill 7065 or the OFW Resting Lounge Act to institutionalize the establishment of areas where departing OFWs can relax and enjoy.
“This bill seeks to institutionalize the provision of dedicated resting lounges within key airports by offering an area where OFWs can find comfort, assistance and a moment of respite amidst the challenges of international travel,” Palma is quoted as saying in a report.
While it may seem like a grand gesture to some of our OFWs, we would wager that somewhere comfortable they can lounge in while waiting for their trips isn’t so high on their priorities as others things.
When you think about it, places where they can stay when they escape from abusive employers ranks higher up on that list compared to “comfortable lounges.”
Let’s look at their situation right now. When our OFWs run away from mistreatment, abuse, or whatever reason, they don’t have any decent quarters to stay in. They essentially become refugees. Usually they are just crammed into whatever accommodations are available.
It is also worth mentioning that when war broke out in Gaza last year many of our OFWs could not find a safe place to stay even as they had escaped the worst of the fighting.
Making sure they have a safe place to stay in our embassies, consuls, or missions for whatever reason would be a better way of “giving back” to our OFWs instead of providing them with comfy lounges.
Another thing that can better help our OFWs more comfy lounges: Quick and speedy response when they need help, or when they need to repatriated or evacuated for any reason, whether they are escaping abuse, have an emergency back home, or fleeing from a country that has suddenly turned into a war zone.
Comfy lounges are good, but they are akin to lip service. Better protections for our OFWs would matter more.