As the crisis in Afghanistan has displaced both citizens and residents in the country, including OFWs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has stated its position, assuring Filipinos that they can avail of financial assistance and scholarship grants for their dependents upon their return in the country.

In line with this, OWWA administrator Hans Cacdac said that a directive has already been released by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to extend all “necessary assistance” to OFWs coming home from Afghanistan.

OWWA to Grant Financial Aid, Scholarships to Returning OFWs from Afghanistan

Cacdac explained that the benefits revolve around financial assistance, livelihood, and scholarship grants for those with collegiate dependents, the Philippine Star reported.

Under the OWWA’s program, displaced OFWs in Afghanistan will receive financial assistance worth Php 10,000. Meanwhile, those with dependents studying in college can avail of Php 30,000 scholarship grant. Moreover, livelihood assistance worth Php 20,000 is also available for returning active OWWA members and Php 10,000 for non-active members.

Those who wish to venture into business upon their return in the country can also take advantage of the agency’s financial assistance program ranging from Php 100,000 to Php 1 million.

Cacdac also noted that the first batch of 35 OFWs who returned from Afghanistan are now undergoing quarantine, with about a hundred more expected to return to the country soon.

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