OWWA Provides Cash Assistance to Affected OFWs of the Kuwait Deployment Ban

Due to the extended period of the deployment ban in Kuwait as imposed by the Philippine Government, many Overseas Filipino Workers are severely affected. The Department of Labor and Employment decided to impose a total deployment ban for Filipino migrant workers bound for Kuwait after the discovery of Joanna Demafelis’ body inside a freezer in an abandoned apartment unit. The ban covers all types of OFWs in the Gulf Estate which includes skilled, professionals, and domestic helpers.

The deployment ban affected many OFWs and their families since there are more than 250,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait. To provide assistance to the affected OFWs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will provide cash assistance to them and their families.

Cash Assistance to Help Affected OFWs

The chief of OWWA, Hans Leo Cacdac, confirmed that the government agency has approved the cash aid for OFWs who are affected by the deployment ban.

There will be cash assistance to those affected by the ban on OFW deployment to Kuwait as long as they are OWWA members and have Kuwait work visa as of February 12, 2018.

The cash assistance is available for OWWA members and has Kuwait working visas as of February 12, 2018. Active members can get P5,000 while inactive members are entitled to P2,500.

How to Avail the Cash Assistance

To avail the cash assistance, beneficiaries may visit the closest OWWA regional offices in their area. These offices will provide the necessary requirements to get the cash aid.

More Assistance From the Government

Other than the cash assistance, OWWA also provides livelihood assistance to affected workers through the Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program. OFWs will be given P20,000 cash grant that they can use to start a livelihood of their choice.

OWWA members may also avail of the OWWA training assistance which provides them P14,500 to enroll in any technical-vocational courses.