OUMWA Undersecretary Meets with Filcom Leaders in Abu Dhabi

24 August 2017 ABU DHABI — The ATN Assessment team, led by Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola, together with officials from the Embassy and POLO-OWWA, met with 30 Filipino Community leaders from various organizations in Abu Dhabi on August 06 at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

Undersecretary Arriola announced the introduction of new schemes to help distressed OFs (e.g. “door-to-door” repatriation and “pantawid” program, as well as complete burial package for the deceased, and establishment of shelter for those not allowed to stay by the rules of the current MWOFRC) but added that implementing rules have yet to be finalized.  She also announced that walk-in clients with immigration issues may now be given free airfare for their repatriation back to the Philippines and requests for assistance in medical cases will now be granted, subject to availability of funds.

The Filipino Community leaders, on the other hand, pledged their support to the Embassy in projects and activities aimed at benefiting the ATN wards, as well as in coordinating with the ATN unit for the speedy and efficient resolution of cases that are being referred by them.

Other issues discussed were the prosecution of those involved in human trafficking and illegal recruitment; the request for the lifting of the de facto suspension of deployment of household service workers; the status of the bill creating the OFW Bank; and the request for free or subsidized PhilHealth membership to OFWs and their dependents.

For more information, visit www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/PHinUAE. END