House committee to probe OFW repatriation policy

The House Committee on Public Accounts will investigate the government's response to the migration policy concerning COVID-19 repatriations, aiming to develop a comprehensive approach for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Committee chairman Rep. Michael Defensor announced a hybrid meeting on June 26 to discuss the welfare of OFWs following a directive from House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

The meeting aims to ensure the interests and welfare of OFWs are safeguarded and promoted, given the increasing number of repatriations.

The committee plans to map out the entire process for returning OFWs, from repatriation and quarantine to reintegration.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has reported repatriating a total of 51,113 OFs, comprising both sea-based and land-based workers.

Officials from the Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration are expected to attend.

Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, including ambassadors from Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, have also been invited.

Four OFWs with experiences in Riyadh and Dubai have been invited to provide firsthand accounts of their situations.

The committee also requested the participation of Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio Dizon from the National Task Force on COVID-19.