DOLE: Expanded insurance gives better OFW protection

CLARK FREEPORT— Overseas Filipino workers are assured of greater protection amid the global health crisis with the expanded compulsory insurance coverage for rehires or “Balik-Manggagawa” and direct hi r es.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who chairs the governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), said the guidelines have been issued implementing DOLE Department Order No. 228, Series of 2021, or the Expanded Compulsory Insurance Coverage for Rehires and Direct Hires.

“The pandemic has left our migrant workers vulnerable to various risks and perils. By expanding the compulsory insurance coverage, we aim to extend the protection to all OFWs, at no cost to our workers,”Bello said.

The mandatory insurance coverage of OFWs provided for under existing laws and POEA rules and regulations shall now include rehires or “BalikManggagawa” and direct hires. The guidelines are spelled out in POEA Memorandum Circular No. 10 signed by POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia, and released last week.

The insurance policy shall be effective for the duration of the migrant worker’s employment contract and assures coverage in case of death, disability, repatriation, medical emergency, and litigation.

It provides for at least US$15,000 survivor’s benefit in case of accidental death; at least US$10,000 survivor’s benefit in case of natural death; and at least US $7,500 disability benefit.

The insurance policy also covers repatriation, including transport of the worker’s personal belongings,whenhis/heremploymentisterminated