WHAT’S driving Filipinos to seek greener pastures abroad? It’s the lack of jobs and opportunities at home. Thus job creation is crucial not only in addressing the requirement of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) but to meet long-term goals of lasting economic growth and development.
Many parts of the world are experiencing economic slowdown and some form of crisis. In Qatar for example where there are some 200,000 OFWs, the situation has become volatile since last year due to the economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed by neighboring other Arab states. Is the government prepared should these OFWs return home?
Also, every now and then we have cases of distressed OFWs running away from their abusive employers or whose work permits/visas had already expired.
For repatriated or returning OFWs, there must be an efficient reintegration plan. It should include helping them save, invest and engage in business ventures that would translate their hard-earned money into economic gains of the country and to create a new generation of overseas Filipino investors. At any given time, there are OFWs that need assistance, thus our efforts should be non-stop. Our support should also be speedy and should not get caught up in red tape.
For returning OFWs, the government should put in place a permanent and proactive contingency measures involving so-called safety nets. As has been the case most of the time, the government only acts when there is a problem or crisis. This is wrong. It should be proactive, not reactive.
While the Philippine economic relies heavily on the remittances of OFWs, we have to remember that their jobs are not secure. We should always be prepared with alternative employment for them back home. It is but fair to extend support to our OFWs when they need it. After all, they have been instrumental in propping up our economy year in year out through their remittances.
