DOLE processes P1.5B aid for displaced OFWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is processing P1.5 billion in financial aid for displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under the "Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong" (AKAP) program.

This one-time cash assistance of P10,000 or USD200, or its local currency equivalent, is available to both land-based and sea-based OFWs affected by lockdowns abroad.

The program covers regular and documented OFWs, certain undocumented OFWs, and balik-manggagawa or OFWs who could not return to their host country because of the Philippines' ongoing lockdown.

To prove that one is regular and documented, OFWs must have a valid passport and appropriate visa or permit to stay and work in the receiving country, and their contract should have been processed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or the corresponding Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

Undocumented OFWs covered by the program include those who were once documented but lost their status, those who have undertaken actions to regularize their status, and those who are Overseas Workers Welfare Administration members.

OFWs infected with COVID-19 who haven't received aid from their host government or employer are also eligible.

Initially, priority for processing and evaluation will be given to OFWs in countries heavily affected by the pandemic.

The assistance will continue until available funds are depleted.