Financial aid for distressed OFWs increased up to P100,000

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has increased its financial assistance for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families to P100,000.

Based on DMW Department Order No. 05 Series of 2024, the amount of the financial aid depends on the situation of concerned OFWs and their families:

P100,000

• Next of kin of OFWs who passed away in the host country due to natural or accidental causes
• Next of kin of OFWs who passed away within one year from arrival in the Philippines

P75,000

• OFWs with severe/serious illness, injury or mental health condition
• ?OFWs who experience abuse/exploitation resulting to physical disability, injuries, or mental health condition
• ??OFWs displaced due to war, political unrest and/or other extraordinary circumstances
• Next of kin of OFWs in death row

P50,000

• OFWs severely affected and/or displaced due to economic downturn / recession in the host country, bankruptcy of the company/employer, involuntary separation from employment due to retrenchment or downsizing, closure or cessation of operation, redundancy
• OFWs who are victims of abuses, exploitation, maltreatment, or contract violations
• OFWs who are victims of illegal recruitment or human trafficking
• OFWs who are victims of natural calamities in the host countries
• Next of kin of incarcerated OFWs serving their sentence

Previously, the DMW offered P30,000 to P50,000 assistance to OFWs and their families under the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund.

In May, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. ordered the DMW to use the P2.8-billion AKSYON Fund and give protection to distressed OFWs to attain justice and be safe from harm during global crises and emergencies.

''First, strengthen protection of OFWs by making sure that government will be there during their hour of need," Marcos said.

Requests for the aid along with required documents shall be submitted through the Migrant Workers Office or the DMW if the worker is already in the Philippines within one year after the arrival in the country. --VAL, GMA Integrated News