Promised Payouts Expected
In a heartening development for the Filipino community, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced an impending wave of financial relief for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia who have been grappling with unpaid wages.
With hundreds of checks poised to clear and more on the way, the commitment to rectify these wrongs shines a beacon of hope for many.
A Step Towards Justice
Significant Payouts in the Pipeline
Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the acting officer-in-charge of the DMW, has shared optimistic news: around 300 checks from an initial distribution are expected to clear in the coming weeks, with an additional 400 checks slated for distribution within the next month.
Consequently, this effort will bring the total number of claimants’ checks distributed for payout and encashment to approximately 1,500, marking a significant increase from the 843 claimants who have already received their dues.
“This is just the start,” Cacdac stated,
emphasizing the ongoing nature of the process to ensure every displaced OFW is compensated for their unpaid claims and other benefits. T
his move is a relief to over 10,000 OFWs left jobless after the bankruptcy declaration of several Saudi construction companies between 2015 and 2016.
Collaborative Efforts Bearing Fruit
In a concerted effort to address this crisis, the DMW, in the third quarter of 2023, submitted to Saudi authorities a list of 10,554 displaced OFW claimants with verified residence permits. Additionally, the proactive steps taken by the Philippine government, including interventions by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., have begun to yield results.
As of now, 1,104 claimants have received checks from Alinma Bank, a Saudi-based financial institution. Moreover, the collaboration between the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) has been instrumental in facilitating the claimants’ access to their funds.
These banks have enabled the OFWs to open accounts for depositing the claims checks and withdrawing their cash payouts, thus streamlining the process for the recipients.
Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead
Overcoming Obstacles for Claimants
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Cacdac highlighted specific issues, such as assisting the heirs of deceased claimants and resolving name discrepancies on the checks. The DMW, actively working alongside Landbank and OFBank, addresses these complications to ensure all rightful beneficiaries receive what they are owed.
Furthermore, as the DMW continues its negotiations with Saudi counterparts, the commitment to supporting OFWs and their families through the resolution of these issues is clear.
“We will continue assisting our OFWs and their families through this final stage in receiving their long overdue wages and benefits,” Cacdac assured.
Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency.
