Photo by ABC
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has increased the amount of financial assistance it would be giving to distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and members of their families under the AKSYON Fund.
Under Department Order No. 5, DMW said in the interest of service and to ensure that OFWs and their next of kin are supported with financial resources to cope and recover from distressing situations.
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With this, the agency said the amount of immediate financial assistance to be given to them are increased as follows:
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
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
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
In the same department order, DMW explained that the request for the said financial assistance, along with required documents, shall be submitted onsite through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
“The mode of payment of the financial assistance shall be in various forms, such as onsite through the [Migrant Workers Office], at the airport upon arrival of the OFWs, at the DMW Central Office and its Regional Offices, through bank transfer, cash, money remittance or any other cost-effective mode that can be utilized, subject to existing banking rules and regulations,” said DMW.