OFW help desk

Things to know:

1. You may visit ANY Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office / consular office to
request for assistance.
2. You may file a request for another person, even if that person does not live in the
country where the request was filed.
3. Processing will take at least seven (7) working days.

At the DFA office / consular office:

 Register in the Client Monitoring Sheet at the reception counter.

 Request for a copy of the Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) Form from the
reception assistant.
 Fill up the form providing complete details, then return it to the reception
assistant for processing.
 Client’s concern will first be categorized as a legal or basic ATN case, and then
will be referred to the concerned legal/ATN officer.
 The client will undergo an interview with the concerned legal officer if necessary,
present documents, and/or supply other significant information.
 At the end of the interview, ask for the contact details of the legal officer and
OUMWA’s telephone number/e-mail addresses.
 Clients request will be referred to the concerned Philippine Embassy/Consulate
General (Post) and relevant government agencies (DOLE, POEA, OWWA,
DSWD, etc.) as necessary.
 Client will be advised to wait for OUMWA’s feedback from Post, which will be
conveyed either by letter, email, or telephone.

Established in 1977, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an

agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines. Its
mandate is focused on ensuring the welfare of OFWs and their families. OWWA
provides social security, cultural services and help with employment, remittances, and
legal matters – from migration to reintegration.

As a membership institution it is funded thru the obligatory annual contribution from

OFWs and their employers. To date, OWWA has offices in 27 countries worldwide.

If you are an OFW, it is your right and responsibility to acquire an OWWA membership,
not just for yourself but for your next-of-kin. Below is a short primer on OWWA’s
programs and services, as well as the steps you need to take to become a member.
 What are the programs and services of
OWWA?

 Social Benefits
These are accident and life insurance benefits for OFW members during the duration of
their contract (per contract basis, with a maximum of two years per contract). Only
active OWWA members are qualified.

Type of Social
Compensation Requirement
Benefit

 Foreign medical certificate

 Medical certificate issued by the local attend
physician with
Disability and ₱100,000.00 for injuries
medical examination procedure. (e.g. X-ray,
Dismemberment sustained (due to accident)
MRI, CT Scan)
Benefits. while working abroad.
 Accident Report/Master’s Report for sea-bas
OFW

 Original Death Certificate issued by the loca

civil registrar or authenticated by the Nationa
Census and Statistics Office (NCSO)
The family will receive:
 Foreign Death Certificate for OFWs who die
abroad including Airway Bill and Consular
 ₱100,000.00 for an active OFW
Mortuary Certificate or No Objection
who dies of natural deathunder
Certificate
the program.
 Accident Report for death due to accident
Death Benefit  ₱200,000.00 if the cause of
death is accidental.
 Burial permit
 Official receipt of funeral expenses
On top of ₱20,000.00 for
 2 valid IDs and 1 pc. ID picture of claimant
funeral expenses.
 Certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) of
OFW from NCSO (if OFW is single)
 Any of the applicable documents certified by
the local civil registrar (LCR) or NCSO
  Marriage certificate- if claimant is the spouse
 Birth certificate of OFW – if claimant is fath
or mother
 Birth certificate of child and death certificate
deceased spouse – if claimant is the child

 Education and training assistance

These programs are meant to provide OFWs and their beneficiaries with the education
and training that they would need from pre-departure to their return back home after
completing their contracts.

 Pre-departure Education Program:

These are meant to provide OFWs with the means to cope with their new work
environment especially during their first few months of working abroad.

How Many
Program Who is Eligible?
Days?

Country Specific Pre-Departure Orientation

1 day All workers (all skills)
Seminar (PDOS)

Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Household Service Workers

4-6 days
Program (CPDEP) (HSWs)

 Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

The program intends to provide job-related training in upgrading the knowledge, skills
and develop expertise among Filipino seafarers in accordance with the technological
advancements and global maritime standards. It is in the form of financial assistance
with OWWA assuming the training cost as prescribed in the existing implementing
guidelines.

The applicant may choose his/her preferred training course accredited by Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) from the list of OWWA recognized Training Providers where he/she intends to
enrol. Training assistance is worth ₱7,500.00.
 Seafarers with valid OWWA membership contribution at the time of application shall be
entitled to avail of SUP under any of the following condition:

Condition When to file? Documents Needed

First time Availment: Single  Proof of OWWA membersh

OWWA membership  Accomplished Application
contribution Must be filed within 90 days from the Form
date of last arrival to the Philippines/on  Seafarer’s Identification &
Subsequent Availment: every vacation or following the expiration of Record Book and/or Passpor
three (3) recorded payments OFWs employment contract (valid original copy)
of OWWA membership  2”x2” Photo (2 copies)
contribution

 Scholarships for dependents

A scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of active OWWA
members in a form of financial assistance. A dependent will be qualified for this program
if they meet the following criteria:

1. The scholarship grant is only provided once per family of an active OWWA member.
2. The dependent applicant must not be a recipient of any other scholarship grants.
3. The dependent-applicant has not previously taken the EDSP qualifying examination and
any post-secondary/vocational or undergraduate/college units.

If they meet the criteria above, they’ll be able to avail any of the following scholarships
below.

Maximum
Type of
Education Program Amount per Requirements
Scholarship
school year

1. The member-OFW must have

active membership with OWWA
the time of the application.
Education for 2. The dependent-applicant mus
4-5 year baccalaureate
Development not be more than 21 years of age
course in any preferred ₱60,000.00
Scholarship
colleges/universities.
Program (EDSP) 3. The dependent-applicant mus
have an average grade of at leas
80% and belongs to the upper 20
of the 3rd year/high school
 graduating class.

4. The dependent-applicant mus

pass the qualifying examination
conducted by DOST and belong
to the top 200 examination passe

5. The dependent-applicant mus

pass the College Admission Tes
of the university he/she intends
enrol to

1. Legal dependents of an active

OWWA member-OFW whose
monthly salary is US$400 or
below.
2. Legal dependent refers to only
child of married or single or onl
sibling of member-OFW.

3. Qualified legal dependent mu

be single and not more than 21
years old.
OFW Dependent
4-5 year baccalaureate
Scholarship 4. He/she must be a high school
course in any preferred ₱20,000.00
Program graduate, physically, mentally an
colleges/universities.
(OFWDSP) morally fit.

5. He/she must pass the entrance

examination conducted by state
college/university in OWWA
Regional Offices where she
intends to enrol to.

6. The dependent-applicant mus

not be a recipient of any other
scholarship grants.

 Training program for OFWs and their dependents.

 It is in the form of training assistance with OWWA assuming the training cost in
vocational/technical courses accredited by TESDA and other government institutions as
prescribed in the existing implementing guidelines.

Training
Requirements
Program Form Eligibility

An active OWWA member

or a dependent/beneficiary
of an active OWWA
member. Member-OFW
Financial assistance is
dependent/beneficiary shall
₱14,500.00. The
be limited to :
applicant may choose
Skills-for- his/her preferred training
 Spouse
Employment course from the list of
 Child 20 years old and
–Scholarship OWWA recognized 1. Important documenta
below (not currently
Program Training Providers where requirements include pro
enrolled)
(SESP) he/she intends to of OWWA membership
 Sister or brother of single
enrol. Eligible to avail are for member, and proof o
OFW, who is 20 years old
member OFWs and relationship to OFW-
and below (not currently
beneficiaries. member, if
enrolled)
dependent/beneficiary.
 A Filipino citizen
2. One (1) OWWA
 At least elementary graduate
Membership contributio
is applicable to one (1)
SESP benefit; succeedin
This computer literacy availment needs three (3
program provides OFWs additional membership
and their families training contributions.
and access to technology
intended to bridge the
Information
communication gap Open to ALL members and
Technology
between the OFW and their
(IT) Training
his/her family and allow dependents/beneficiaries
Program
them to communicate with
each other through the
internet. The program also
aims to upgrade their IT
skills.

 Workers Welfare Assistance Program

 This program shall ensure the welfare of OFWs in their respective job sites; the means
to get back to the country for unforeseen events; as well as assistance to them and their
families if the need arises back home.

 On-site Assistance and Services

This type of assistance is extended to OFWs at their job sites by the Philippine
Overseas Labor Officials, which includes:

1. Assistance on OFW’s whereabouts

2. Psycho-social counselling
3. Mediation/conciliation with employer
4. Airport assistance
5. Hospital/prison/work camp visitations
6. Legal assistance to OFWs who wish to pursue labor/welfare case against their
employer in the host country

 In-Country
Assistance extended to OFWs/families here at the home front, as well as requests from
families and next-of-kins (NOKs) for assistance from OWWA overseas posts

Type of assistance Assistance provided

Assistance to Requests from families and next-of-kins (NOKs) for assistance from OWWA
OFWs/families. overseas posts

 Temporary shelter at OWWA Halfway House

 Transportation allowance to their provinces
Post-repatriation assistance  Stress Debriefing/ Counselling
 Referral

 Social services and family welfare services

These programs shall provide the means to repatriate OFWs in distressed situations as
well as the means to jump start their lives back home if they do not wish to go back to
their overseas job sites.
 Repatriation Assistance Program
The program provides services including negotiations with employers, agents and host
country authorities to facilitate the immediate repatriation of OFWs who are distressed
or physically/mentally ill, and of human remains.

1. Airport assistance
2. Temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home
3. Psycho-social counselling
4. Stress debriefing OFWs, regardless of their OWWA
Transport services or fares for their onward travel to their membership can avail of the Repatriation
respective provinces. Program
5. Emergency repatriation is carried out in the event of political
unrest or natural calamities in the host countries.

 Reintegration Program
Reintegration (in-country). Offers livelihood opportunities to OFWs who have finished
contracts and have no wish to go back to work abroad. This will allow them to pursue
self-employment or livelihood project as a means of generating income for their families
after their overseas employment is done.

What are the available Reintegration Programs?

 Balik-Pinas! Balik-Hanapbuhay! Program

o This is a non-cash livelihood support/assistance intended to provide immediate relief to

returning member OFWs, active or non-active who were displaced from their jobs due to
war/political conflicts in host countries or policy reforms, controls, and changes by the
host government or are victims of illegal recruitment and/or human trafficking or other
distressful situations. The program is

Assistance Provided Inclusion Eligible Beneficiaries

A package of 1. OWWA members, active or non-

livelihood assistance 1. Techno-skills and/or entrepreneurial active. OWWA members with finish
amounting to trainings employment contracts are not entitle
₱10,000.00. to this Program.
 2. Starter kits/goods and/or
3. Such other services that will enable
the target beneficiaries to start a
livelihood undertaking through
self/wage employment.
2. The program can be availed only
once by eligible beneficiaries and
within one year after return to the
country.

 Overseas Filipino Workers – Enterprise Development and Loan Program (OFW-

EDLP)

OFW-EDLP, formerly known as OFW-Reintegration Program (ORP), an enterprise

development intervention and loan facility of OWWA, in partnership with Land Bank of
the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). The program
intends to support enterprise development among OFWs and their families.

1. OFW who is a certified OWWA member, active or non-active.

2. Has completed Enhanced Entrepreneurial Development Training (EEDT)
o If OFW is married, by the legal spouse
o If OFW is single, widow, widower, or separated-in-fact:
Eligible borrowers:
 Parents not more than sixty (60) years old
 Children who are at least eighteen (18) years old
o OFWs working abroad, or about to leave may be presented by the following:

1. Franchising business
2. Contract tie-up with top 1000 corporations;
3. Agri and non-agri production/manufacturing
4. Construction/rental business
Eligible Projects:
5. Service/trading business
6. Transport service
7. Any viable project whether existing or new

Interest Rate: 7.5% per annum for the entire duration of the loan

Loan Purpose: Working Capital and Fixed Asset Acquisition

Project Cost-
Borrower’s Equity: minimum of 20% of the Total Project Cost (TPC)
Sharing:

Loan Amount: The loan amount shall depend on project needs and amount of equity participation of t
 borrower:
For Individual Loan Borrowers (single proprietorship)

 Minimum – ₱100,000.00
 Maximum – ₱2,000,000.00

For Group Loan Borrowers (partnerships, corporations, cooperatives)

 Minimum- ₱100,000.00
 Maximum – ₱5,000,000.00

Loan Repayment:

1. Short-Term- max of one (1) year;

2. Term Loan: based on cash flow but not to exceed 7 years, inclusive of maximum of 2
years grace period.

How to be a member?

The OWWA is a membership institution. As such, its programs, projects and services
are geared towards safeguarding and promoting the welfare and interests of its
members. For a processing fee of ₱100.00 and a US$25.00 membership contribution
per contract, an OWWA member is entitled to the various benefits and services
mentioned above.

Membership in OWWA may be obtained in two ways:

By enrolment upon processing of contract at the POEA; and

By voluntary registration of a would-be member at job sites overseas.

Proof of membership
Members are issued an Official Receipt upon payment of contribution. They shall
likewise be issued an OWWA e-Card.
Effectivity of membership
OWWA membership, either through the compulsory or voluntary coverages, shall be
effective upon payment of membership contribution, until expiration of their employment
contract.

In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership shall not exceed two
(2) years.

Renewal of membership
Membership shall be renewed upon payment of contribution on contract renewal /
issuance of new contract. In the case of voluntary membership, coverage shall be
renewed upon payment of contribution.

Being an OWWA member provides OFWs with privileges that they should take
advantage of. For a small membership fee, OWWA members are entitled to benefit
plans that include insurance, healthcare benefits, education and training programs,
livelihood support bridging program, and a livelihood development program. More than
that, OWWA protects the rights of every one of their members and provides a guarantee
that the sacrifices that they would have to make while working abroad are worth it.

Help desk for OFWs up

Date Posted: February 20th, 2017 02:16 PM

To improve the delivery of services to overseas Filipino workers, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III has ordered
the creation of a help desk that will attend to requests for assistance from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their
families.

“In view of the increasing demand for assistance from OFWs and their families, we are creating an assistance desk
that will handle OFW-related issues and concerns,” Bello said.

In Administrative Order No. 40, the Assistance to Migrants and their Families Desk (AMD) will be directly under the
Office of the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) Director.

The AMD will be headed by a labor attaché and manned by overseas plantilla personnel, particularly those serving
the mandatory three-year government service requirement before deployment and those who are on two-year home
office assignment after their end of tour of duty.

The AMD shall attend to clients who personally appear at the DOLE Central Office; and also respond to requests
received through phone, text, electronic mail, or the official ILAB Facebook account.

It shall also monitor news reports concerning OFWs and report to the DOLE Secretary immediately before endorsing
to the concerned offices for their appropriate action.

All cases handled by the AMD shall be encoded in the Foreign Labor Operations Information System (FLOIS). It is an
interactive database system designed to accelerate the monitoring and reporting system of the DOLE in terms of job
gains and losses, labor market information, labor and welfare cases and repatriation, security, safety, and protection
of the OFWs.

Weekly reports shall also be submitted to the DOLE Secretary, through the cluster head, to monitor the actions taken
and status updates of the requests handled by the AMD.

“This innovation is one way of strengthening and expanding our delivery of services to OFWs. As long as there are
Filipino workers overseas, it is our responsibility to protect them. That is why part of our agenda is the continuous
strengthening of protection and security of our OFWs,” Bello said.

END/aldm

This is where government agencies, such as the POEA, play a crucial and active role. The POEA is
tasked to protect aspiring OFWs even before they get hired and start working abroad. All applicants
for overseas jobs go through the POEA for processing their documents.

Know what the POEA can do for you and its services available to Filipinos who are seeking
employment abroad.

What is POEA?

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), an attached agency of the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), manages the country’s overseas employment
program.

The agency helps secure the best employment terms for Filipino migrant workers and protects their
rights to fair and ethical recruitment practices. It is also mainly responsible for regulating all
recruitment agencies in the Philippines.

The POEA works closely with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), its sister
agency, to promote the welfare of OFWs. While they share the same goals and are both supervised
by DOLE, these two agencies differ in their roles. The POEA provides services to help aspiring
OFWs achieve legal status through proper documentation before leaving the country for overseas
work. On the other hand, OWWA handles concerns of OFWs who are already working abroad.

What Does the POEA Do?

Anti-illegal Recruitment and OFW Protection:
 Issuing licenses to recruit and place overseas workers to private recruitment agencies (for land-based
workers) and manning agencies (for sea-based workers)
 Monitoring and supervising recruitment and manning agencies
 Supervising the government’s anti-illegal recruitment program and conducting anti-illegal recruitment
seminars nationwide
  Disseminating information about illegal recruiters, job scams, laws in other countries, and other
overseas employment-related matters
 Ensuring that Filipino workers are deployed only in countries that protect OFW rights (which are
certified by the Department of Foreign Affairs), as required by the Amended Migrant Workers Act
 Providing legal assistance to illegal recruitment victims (filing cases, prosecuting illegal recruiters,
and closing down erring agencies)
 Providing repatriation assistance to displaced OFWs

Overseas Employment Facilitation:

 Accrediting foreign employers who hire OFWs
 Approval of job orders or requests for workers
 Conducting pre-employment orientation seminars
 Evaluating and processing employment contracts

Upholding Philippine Migration and Overseas Employment Laws:

 Hearing and deciding on cases and complaints filed against recruitment and manning agencies,
employers, and OFWs for alleged violation of POEA rules and regulations (except for money claims)
 Taking disciplinary actions against employers and workers who violate Philippine migration laws and
regulations

Four Key POEA Services for Prospective OFWs

1. Recruitment Agency Status Verification

How will you know whether a recruitment agency you’re dealing with is a legitimate business or a
scam? You can check an agency’s status through the POEA website (Note: This POEA online facility may
not work sometimes. If you get an error message, try checking the page again later.)

At the POEA site’s homepage, just type the name of your recruitment agency in the “Status of
Recruitment Agencies” search box and then click the Search button. For POEA-licensed agencies,
the results page will show the agency name, address, contact information, status, and license
validity period.

This POEA online facility also has a full list of Philippine recruitment agencies that are licensed,
suspended, and permanently banned or closed down.

2. POEA Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar

All Filipinos who are considering to work abroad must take the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar
(PEOS). It is part of the government’s public information campaign against illegal recruitment.
PEOS is a free online learning tool composed of eight self-learning modules that educate
prospective OFWs about everything they need to know about overseas employment, including the
following:

 The pros and cons of working abroad

 Guidelines and legal procedures of overseas job applications
 Required documents and fees for overseas job applications
 How to avoid being a victim of illegal recruitment
 Government services that prospective and hired OFWs can avail of

The PEOS is different from the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), which is also required
for OFWs and conducted by OWWA. PDOS is for Filipinos who are already hired and are about to
leave to work abroad, while PEOS is for those who are still considering their options and gathering
information about overseas employment.

The government requires OFWs to take both the PEOS and PDOS as part of their preparations for
working abroad.

3. Frontline Services

Photo from POEA Facebook page

If you want to work abroad, it’s important to have yourself properly documented at the POEA before
you leave the country. Doing so will give you a legal status as an OFW, entitling you to the
protection, assistance, and services that the Philippine government provides to migrant workers.

The POEA is the agency you must go to for the following processes:

 Registration of land-based applicants for overseas employment

 Registration of Seafarer’s Registration Certificate applicants
 Documentation of land-based name hires or direct hires
 Hiring and placement of government-hired workers

In addition to its registration and documentation services, the POEA also accommodates requests
for information or assistance from the general public via the Public Information and Assistance
Center.

Anyone who wants to file a complaint against an agency for recruitment violation may do so at the
POEA’s Docket and Enforcement Division.

4. Overseas Employment Certificate Processing

The POEA is in charge of processing the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This document is
a proof that the holder is a documented OFW who is permitted to leave the Philippines to work
abroad.

An OEC serves as an exit pass that an OFW presents to the immigration officer at the airport. This
document exempts an OFW from paying the terminal fee and travel tax when shown to the airline
counter. It’s also a proof of payment of Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth contributions, as well as the POEA
processing and OWWA membership fees.

Lastly, since the OEC certifies that the bearer is an OFW with a legal status, it is often a requirement
for OFWs who are applying for housing loans and personal loans in the Philippines.

You can apply for an OEC in the Philippines at the POEA main office or any POEA regional office.
Bring your valid passport with working visa and proof of OWWA membership. The OFW info sheet,
which is also an OEC application requirement, can be accomplished on-site.

Final Thoughts
Need more information about POEA services, illegal recruitment, and other OFW matters? Contact
the POEA via email (info@poea.gov.ph) or its hotline numbers (722 1144 and 722 1155

WHEN overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are abroad, they are not
only preoccupied with their jobs; they also have to deal with countless
issues ranging from employer concerns to family problems. One of the
effective ways that government helps our migrant workers deal with
these issues is through the creation of foreign posts exclusively for
labor matters.

Republic Act 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act
of 1995, gave life to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)—
the foreign station of the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
(OWWA). The POLO is headed by a labor attaché (or Labatt, for
short), the diplomatic official assigned to our embassies abroad who
quarterbacks all activities related to the employment and welfare of
our migrant workers overseas.

As part of the POLO, OWWA’s welfare officers (called “Welofs”)

and administrative staff are the workhorses of our labor offices’
overseas operations, providing mediation/conciliation services,
handling requests for assistance (RAs) from our kababayans arising
from non-payment, or delayed payment, of salaries, maltreatment,
sexual harassment, unfavorable working/living conditions, and in the
Middle East, the non-issuance of “iqama” (residence permit) or exit
visa.

OWWA’s Welofs and administrative staff also provide counseling to

OFWs who get in touch in person or by phone for various queries
related to their employment and stay abroad. In some instances, they
are also tasked to bring home (“repatriate”) our migrant workers,
which in the Middle East, for instance, involve negotiating with the
employers, the police and immigration authorities.

OWWA’s welfare officers and administrative staff are stationed in 31

overseas offices: 10 in Asia, 14 posts in the Middle East and Africa,
and seven offices in Europe and the US. These overseas posts are
situated in areas or countries where there is a large concentration of
Filipino migrant workers.

Adept at multitasking, OWWA’s Welofs and administrative staff

conduct hospital visitations of injured or sick kababayan; assist the
labor attaché in mediating labor concerns between the OFW and his
employer amicably; and sometimes, search, locate, and rescue Filipino
workers from their abusive employers at a personal risk to themselves.
Because welfare is a 24/7 concern, they are available anytime of the
day and every day of the week to provide assistance to Filipino
workers in need. As if these were not enough, they also coordinate
with the Filipino communities to organize events and training
programs, and perform other services that cater to the welfare of the
Filipino migrant workers.

Welofs and administrative staff also work double time especially

during times of crises, whether natural or man-made. Aside from the
regular duties in the post, during natural disasters such as typhoons or
earthquakes, Welofs and administrative assess the situation of our
OFWs within their area of jurisdiction and provide assistance to those
affected and in need of aid.

During man-made crises, such as wars or political uprisings, Welofs

make up an integral part of the emergency operations of the Philippine
Embassy by preparing the documentation of OFWs who want to be
repatriated, fetching OFWs from war-torn areas, and taking steps to
bring our countrymen to safer ground.

One such crisis was the “Arab Spring” in 2011, which saw the
overthrow of Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak and Libyan despot
Muammar Gadhafi as well as the escalation of the civil war in Syria.
The resulting chaos in the Middle East called for the immediate mass
repatriation of Filipinos migrant workers, especially those in the war-
torn areas. In Libya, for instance, some 11,000 OFWs and Filipino
nationals were safely repatriated with the assistance of OWWA’s
Welofs and administrative staff.

In 2012, OWWA’s Welofs and administrative staff helped repatriate

from war-ravaged Syria thousands of migrant workers who availed of
the mandatory repatriation program implemented by the government
through the Philippine embassy in Damascus, Syria.

OWWA’s overseas post was a major player in the repatriation of

thousands of OFWs from Saudi Arabia in 2013, with Welofs and
administrative staff helping negotiate with Arab employers in order to
secure their Filipino migrant workers’ exit visa – a required
immigration document before an OFW can leave the kingdom. This
after Saudi Arabia began implementing its “Saudization” (nitaqat)
policy calling for the employment of Saudi nationals in private firms.

More recently, because of the declining oil prices in the world market,
the Saudi Arabian economy has contracted, forcing many companies
to retrench or worse, dismiss employees, leaving thousands of Filipino
migrant workers jobless.

To encourage unemployed and illegal workers to go back to their

home countries, Saudi Arabia has issued a 90-day amnesty program
called a “nation without violations”— designed to allow overstaying
and undocumented workers the opportunity to leave the country
without any penalty (or blacklisting) so that they can return to the
Saudi Arabia legally if they so desire.

Upon getting wind of the amnesty program, Labor Secretary Silvestre

Bello 3rd quickly dispatched a rapid response team to Saudi Arabia,
composed of high-level DOLE and OWWA officials, to assess the
situation and needs of OFWs affected by the program. Bello also
deployed an additional DOLE-OWWA augmentation team to Saudi
Arabia to assist in processing our kababayan for the amnesty program.

As usual, OWWA’s Welofs and administrative personnel will be at

the front lines to serve our Filipino migrant workers and help reunite
them with their families and loved ones.

Government Directory

Here are some government directories you might find useful. They contain relevant, up-to-date
information regarding overseas employment policies, working conditions, laws, and other issues related
to working abroad.

Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) -The Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics: In
this site you can find statistics and studies on Philippine employment.

Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) -The Bureau of Labor Relations site contains updates and discussions
regarding the Labor Code, descriptions of labor and management programs being offered, etc.
Department of Foreign Affairs -A useful site to visit for questions regarding passports and visa
information.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) -DOLE aims to promote gainful employment
opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and promote their welfare, and maintain
industrial peace. This site contains information regarding employment-related concerns such as
workers’ rights and welfare, labor legislation, wage income policy, etc.

Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) -The Employees Compensation Commision is part of the
Philippines Department and Employment Agency in the Philippines. The goal of the program is to ensure
fair job practices between employers and employees.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) -A premiere maritime administration in Southeast Asia propelling
the Philippine maritime industry to global competitiveness. 984 Parkview Plaza, Taft Avenue corner
Kalaw Street, Manila, Philippines

Migrants Advisory Information System -Contains country profiles useful to prospective migrants

National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) -The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) is a
quasi-judicial body which plays a vital role in the government's program of promoting and maintaining
industrial peace through the speedy dispensation of labor justice and development of an effective
dispute settlement machinery. The site contains updates on labor-related cases, termination disputes,
and other issues regarding employer-employee relations.

National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) -The NWPC site contains updates regarding wage
disputes and public awareness campaigns.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) -This site contains useful information on overseas
workers’ benefits, security, career development, etc. Also available are services and programs dedicated
to the well-being of overseas workers.
Pag-Ibig Overseas Program -The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program was launched to give Overseas Filipinos the
opportunity to save for their future and at the same time give them the chance to avail of a housing loan
as much as P500,000 with interest rates ranging from 9%-17% per annum depending on the load
amount.

Phil Health -PhilHealth assumed the responsibility of administering the former Medicare program for
government and private sector employees from the Government Service Insurance System in October
1997, from the Social Security System in April 1998, and from the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration in March 2005. Office Address: Citystate Centre, 709 Shaw Blvd.,1603 Pasig City,
Philippines Trunkline: (02) 441-7444

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) -The PIA aims to provide people with adequate information which
will help them make better decisions and identify opportunities that could improve their quality of life.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) -The POEA site contains advisories regarding
overseas employment, information and updates on pre-employment services, welfare, licensing, and
other issues relevant to Filipino workers abroad.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) -TESDA is the leading partner in the
development of the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values. East
Service Road, South Superhighway, Taguig City, Philippines Tel: (02) 887-7777 Send Text to 0917-
4794370 (Globe) Email: tesdacontactcenter@gmail.com

The Maritime Training Council -The Maritime Training Council, or MTC, was established on May 1, 1984
in keeping with the Philippine’s commitments as a signatory to the International Maritime
Organization’s 1978 Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers,
or STCW ’78. Amended in 1995, the Convention is now more commonly called as STCW ’95. 10th Floor
G.E. Antonino Bldg., T.M. Kalaw St.,cor. J. Bocobo Sts. Ermita, Manila Tel Nos. 527-3977 Fax No. 527-
4559 Email: info@mtc.gov.ph

Most Popular

OFW Tools

OFW Directory
What Details Captivate Hiring Managers In Application Letters?

Latest Jobs Abroad

Local Part-Time Jobs

Local - Recruitment Officer

Local - Recruitment Assistant

Local - Documentation Officer

Local - Admin Staff

MALE & FEMALE MASSAGE THERAPIST

See More

EVERY overseas Filipino worker (OFW) leaving for abroad for the
first time experiences mixed emotions. One is the excitement at
traveling and working overseas and the prospect of earning big bucks.
But there is also the fear and anxiety over what sort of fate awaits
them at their workplace.

To address this, first-time OFWs are made to go through PDOS (or the
“Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar”) – the country-specific
mandatory seminar that teaches migrant workers how to adjust to life
in their destination countries and other topics such as travel
regulations, immigration procedures, cultural differences, settlement
concerns, employment concerns, and their rights and obligations as
foreign workers. But judging from my recent trip to Saudi Arabia, it
appears many of our “kabayan” (as Filipinos in the Middle East refer
to each other) have forgotten these PDOS lessons.

Given the cultural and language differences between employers and

OFWs, conflicts are often unavoidable. It is therefore crucial that
migrant workers are aware of their rights and know how to react to
employer misconduct or maltreatment.
I asked former Kuwait labor attaché and current chief of the
Repatriation and Assistance Division (RAD) of the Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA), lawyer Cesar L. Chavez, Jr., for
some advice on what our OFWs should do when faced with
employment issues.

According to Chavez, the usual problems encountered by OFWs

abroad are contract violation, contract substitution, and maltreatment.
These are especially prevalent with household service workers (HSW)
who are more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation due to their
physical isolation.

So, what exactly is contract violation? Simply, it is the intentional

disregard by a foreign employer of the terms and conditions of his
employment contract with his OFW-employee.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) prescribes a

standard employment contract (SEC) for OFWs, which contains the
minimum terms and conditions of employment for a migrant worker.
So, if a foreign employer, for example, pays the HSW a monthly
salary of $380 rather than $400 (i.e. the amount mandated by
Philippine labor laws and stipulated in the SEC for HSWs), he
commits a contract violation. Or an if OFW is made to work as a
“seamstress” instead of a “salon beautician” as provided in the SEC,
the employer commits an offense known as “misrepresentation.”

There is also what’s called “contract substitution.” This usually

happens when the foreign employer replaces the POEA-approved
contract with another contract after the OFW’s arrival in the country
of destination. This is usually done to lower the salary or diminish the
benefits of migrant workers. However, if the employment terms and
conditions in the substituted contract are better or are improved, then
substituted agreement is deemed legal and valid.
What should OFWs do if they fall victim to contract violation or
contract substitution?

The OFW should first notify the foreign employer and the Philippine
recruitment agency (PRA) about the violation of his or her
employment contract. Most companies abroad usually have “in-
house” procedures and policies for addressing the grievances of their
migrant workers. If the OFW has exhausted all in-house remedies or
no action is taken by the PRA, and the violation persists, the OFW
should take the matter to the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office
(POLO) or Philippine embassy (if there is no POLO) in the country
where he or she is deployed.

Once a complaint is filed, the POLO’s labor attaches and welfare

officers will first conduct a “conference” between the company (or
employer) and the OFW. This is part of the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE)’s single entry approach (or SEnA) – the 30 day
conciliation-mediation mechanism to amicably resolve labor-related
disputes, which is also being implemented overseas.

The SEnA is an effective strategy to solving labor disputes abroad,

Chavez said, as most foreign employers are easily persuaded by the
non-confrontational approach to employee grievances. “Many Filipino
workers have been paid after the POLO successfully settled their cases
through SEnA,” added Chavez.

But if conciliation efforts fail, then the worker can avail of the
remedies under the laws of the host country. In Saudi Arabia, this
means filing a complaint with the Saudi Ministry of Labor, and going
through their labor courts. The POLO can also endorse the case to the
Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) so that the latter
can summon and instruct the workers’ recruitment agency to fix or
address the complaints, usually through the PRA’s foreign
counterpart.

Another option available to our OFWs is for them to file an

administrative complaint against their placement agency with the
POEA once they return to the country. The POEA can impose
administrative sanctions ranging from the blacklisting of the foreign
employer and the foreign recruitment agency, or the temporary or
permanent suspension or cancellation of the PRA’s license.

In cases of maltreatment, OFWs should immediately report the matter

to the assistance to nationals (ATN) section of the Philippine embassy
or consulate, which is primarily responsible for so-called “ATN cases”
like detention cases, medical repatriation, trafficking in persons,
physical abuse, rape and other police cases.

Since prevention is better than cure, DOLE has forged bilateral labor
agreements (BLAs) with several labor-receiving countries, especially
those from the Gulf States like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, etc., in
order to secure more protection and better working conditions for our
OFWs before they arrive in their country of destination.

Of course, there is no magic bullet to prevent or to solve all the

problems faced by our migrant workers overseas. But OFWs can
empower themselves by being mindful of the remedies and options
available to them if they find themselves in such situations.

Happy Labor Day to all our OFWs and their families, and to all
Filipinos who strive every day to give the best to their families!
How to Submit your Concerns to
POEA Legal Assistance ONLINE
JULY 20, 2018 BY JANICE

Do you have concerns or complaints about your recruitment agency, employer, or co-
workers? Or do you need some legal counseling?

Don’t worry! You can now contact the POEA Legal Assistance Division online.

The POEA or Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has a Legal Assistance

Division (LAD) that provides free legal counseling services to Overseas Filipino Workers
or OFWs, overseas work applicants and walk-in clients for their overseas employment
concerns such as:

 recruitment violations
 disciplinary actions against the employer
 disciplinary actions against the worker
 illegal recruitment referral to conciliation
 legal counselling
 other inquiries

These services have been made more accessible because you can now submit your
concerns online. It means that you just have to go to the Legal Assistance website using
your computer or smartphone that is connected to the internet.

How to submit a case for legal counseling?

In the Legal Assistance page, choose Legal Counseling, then provide your personal
information:

 First, Middle, and Last Name

 Date
 Gender
 Contact Details – Contact Number and Email Address
 Education – choose Elementary, High School, Vocational or College
 Complete Address

Below your personal information is the Case Details (Detalye ng Pangyayari) where you
can state the details of your case or concerns:

 Nature of Inquiry (Uri ng tanong?)

  Name of worker (Pangalan ng OFW)
 Country of deployment (Bansang Pinagtrabahuhan)
 Details of the Event (Detalye ng Pangyayari)
 Evidence (Ebidensya) – you can upload pictures or videos as evidence or to prove your
case or concerns

After you review the details of your case, click or enter the captcha, and click submit.
You will then be provided with a Reference Number for your case.

All the information you provided are safe and will be respected by the Legal Assistance
Division and it will not be shared with anyone.

How to Check the Status of your Case?

In the same Legal Assistance page, click Check Status, then enter the Reference
Number.

Under Validation, choose either Apelyido (Last Name) or Araw ng Kapanganakan (Date
of Birth), then enter the answer.

Click or enter the Captcha and click Submit.

Legal Assistance FAQs

The Legal Assistance website has also compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) related to overseas employment including the following topics:

 Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)

 BalikManggagawa vs BalikBayan
 Illegal Recruitment
 Recruitment Agencies
 Recruitment Processes
 Legal Fees
  Job Order
 TESDA
 PDOS

How to Contact the Legal Assistance Division?

For any inquiries or additional information, you may visit the Legal Assistance Divison
at Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Legal Assistance Division, 4th
Floor, BFO Building EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.

You may also contact them at Telephone No: (02) 722-1189 or send an email message
to their email address at legal-asst@poea.gov.ph.

What do Legal Assistance Services cover?

1. LEGAL ADVICE – to provide counseling services where repatriated workers are informed
of their rights and possible options for redress of grievances
2. CONCILIATION – to afford repatriated workers and their recruitment agencies a venue to
discuss the possibility of amicable settlement
3. PREPARATION AND FILING OF COMPLAINTS – for illegal recruitment, recruitment
violation, and disciplinary action cases
4. COUNSELING DURING PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND HEARINGS – of criminal
cases for illegal recruitment

How to avail of Legal Assistance Services?

Step 1 – Go to the Legal Assistance Division at 4th Floor POEA Central Office or at any
POEA Regional Centers.

Step 2 – Respond to the initial interview by the Legal Officer as to what assistance is
needed.

Step 3 – Evaluation and endorsement of the complaint to the appropriate unit:

 Conciliation Unit
 Adjudication Office
 Public Prosecutor/Fiscal

Step 4 – For repatriated OFWs staying at the OWWA Hostel, a lawyer from the POEA
Legal Assistance Division will visit the Hostel to provide legal assistance.

Legal Assistance Center Offices

NCR POEA
  Address: Legal Assistance Division, 4th Floor, BFO Building, EDSA corner Ortigas
Avenue, Mandaluyong City
 Telephone Nos.: 09175540249 / 721-0619 09175501027 / 722-1189
 Email Address: legal-asst@poea.gov.ph

Luzon Regional Center

 Address: 2nd Floor LZK-Zambrano Bldg, Quezon Ave. City of San Fernando, La Union
 Telefax: (072) 242-5608
 Email Address: poea_rcl@yahoo.com.ph

Visayas Regional Center

 Address: Ground Floor, DOLE-RO 7, Building A, General Maxilom Ave. and Gorordo
Ave. Cebu City
 Telephone Nos.: (032) 4120040 to 42
 Email Address: poea7_au@yahoo.com

Mindanao Regional Center

 2nd Floor Amya ll Building Quimpo Blvd. cor Tulip Drive, Ecoland Davao City
 Telephone Nos.: (082) 297-7428 / (082) 297-7650
 Email Address: poearcm@yahoo.com

How to Seek Legal Assistance at the POEA LAC Office in NCR?

If you want to personally go to the POEA Legal Assistance Center to seek legal
counseling, prepare your OFW Record and Verification Form. There is no fee for this.
Just follow the procedures below:

Step 1 – Get a verification form from the Guard on Duty at the 4th Floor of the POEA
Office and fill-up the form.Step 2 – Submit the completely

Step 2 – Submit the completely fille out form to Window 3, Licensing Branch (LB), 4th
Floor, for verification of the status of agency/persons. Deployed workers must secure
the OFW Information Sheet from the Central Records Division at the 6th Floor.

Step 3 – Submit duly verified form or OFW Information Sheet to the Legal Assistance
Division (LAD) Legal Officer and wait for your name to be called.

Step 4 – When your name is called, proceed to the table of the designated Legal Officer
for counseling or legal assistance in the preparation or filling-up of a complaint form.
Step 5 – Submit duly accomplished complaint form to the LAD Legal Officer and swear
under oath as to the truthfulness of the facts contained in the complaint.

Step 6 – You may file the complaint at the Conciliation Unit on the 2nd Floor, if proper
for conciliation or at the Docket and Enforcement Division on the 3rd Floor.

Source: POEA Legal Assistance