Owwa gives P135-M aid to stranded OFWs in Saudi

THE OVERSEAS Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) said yesterday it had extended over P135 million in aid to more than 10,000 jobless Filipinos stranded in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the Owwa said its Relief Assistance Program released P135.39 million so far in financial assistance to 10,134 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

The agency said this was apart from post-repatriation services for returning OFWs such as airport assistance, temporary shelter, food and toiletries, local transportation fare and psychological counseling.

The Owwa said it has spent P113,161 so far for the post-repatriation services for returning Filipinos.

There are almost 11,000 Filipino workers who lost their jobs at nine Saudi Arabia construction firms, following the recent series of oil price declines which caused massive layoffs in Saudi Arabia.

These nine firms usually employ Filipinos as welders, electricians, fabricators or masons. TVJ