OVER 4,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait have returned to the country since the government imposed a labor deployment ban to the tiny but oil-rich Gulf state in February. With President Duterte recently urging OFWs there to leave amid worsening diplomatic relations, expect more repatriations, particularly of distressed OFWs – those who ran away from their abusive employers or whose work permits/visas already expired.
The government should put in place a permanent and proactive contingency measures for returning OFWs not just from Kuwait but from other countries. 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. 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.
Many parts of the world are experiencing economic slowdown and some form of crisis. OFWs’ jobs are thus not secure. We should always be prepared with alternative employment for them. They have been instrumental in propping up our economy year in year out through their remittances. It is but fair to extend support to them when they need it.
There must be an efficient reintegration plan for repatriated or returning OFWs. 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.
In the end, job creation remains crucial not only in addressing the requirement of returning OFWs but to meet long-term goals of lasting economic growth and development. It is this lack of jobs and opportunities at home that drives Filipinos to seek greener pastures abroad.
