Iraq OFWs to get financial aid

Financial assistance awaits overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from Iraq, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported yesterday.

OWWA chief Hans Cacdac said the agency is extending cash assistance of P20,000 each for active OWWA members coming home from Iraq.

Cacdac said non-active OWWA members who will be repatriated from Iraq will get a P10,000 grant.

According to Cacdac, OWWA has prepared a wide range of assistance to Filipinos affected by the current unrest in Iraq.

Before leaving for the Middle East, Cacdac said he ordered OWWA’s senior officials to ensure that returning OFWs from Iraq are accorded the utmost attention by providing them with post-repatriation assistance.

“Our kababayans returning from Iraq already experienced the worst before they reach the country. Let us make them feel that they are already home,” he said.

Aside from financial aid, OWWA is providing postrepatriation assistance such as airport assistance, provision for temporary shelter, stress debriefing, counseling, medical assistance, legal assistance and a provision for transportation allowance.

Repatriated OFWs are assisted in processing their documents at the Immigration counter, administered medical evaluation if needed and retrieval of their luggage.

Cacdac said repatriated OFWs are also provided with temporary board and lodging and, if needed, processed for stress debriefing, psychological counseling and legal assistance.