Stranded OFWs can start availing of cash assistance

The displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Saudi Arabia (KSA) could finally start availing of the one-time financial grant from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) after it officially issued the program's implementing rules and regulation (IRR).

According to the IRR, only OFWs, who were displaced from nine large Saudi firms, and their families will be qualified for the Relief Assistance Program (RAP).

The nine Saudi companies are Mohammed al Mojil Group (MMG), Saudi Bin Laden Group of Companies (SBG), Saudi Oger Ltd., Mohammed Hameed Al-Bargash and Bros. Trading and Construction, Aluminum Company (ALUMCO L.L.C.), Rajeh H. Al Merri Contracting and Trading Company, Fawzi Salah-Al Nairani Contracting Company, Arabtec Contstruction L.L.C., and Real Estate Development and Investment Company.

"This one-time grant is exclusively for affected OFWs who are either staying in camps or are living-out in KSA or who have been repatriated to the Philippines but have not received their salaries or end-of-service benefits," OWWA said.

The qualified OFWs, who are still stranded at their job sites in KSA, will get 120,000 each, while their families will receive 16,000. For those who have been repatriated, they will get 120,000 assistance.

The stranded OFWs will be required to apply at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in KSA and submit an accomplished application form and proof of identity like their passport, iqama, pay slip, and employment contract.

To avail of the RAP, their family members will have to present the following documents at OWWA's local offices: accomplished form, proof of relationship to OFW (photo copy of birth certificate of the OFW if the OFW is single; photocopy of marriage of certificate, if the OFW is married), and one valid government-issued ID with picture.

They would have to submit the accomplished application form, passport or travel document, and proof of unpaid salaries/ benefits at OWWA's local offices.

OWWA said it has already coordinated with the Philippine Embassy and POLO in KSA for the implementation of the RAP.