DMW assists 452 OFWs affected by New Zealand firm’s closure

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 452 Filipino workers affected by the closure of a bankrupt New Zealand-based company have sought the Philippine government’s assistance.

Migrant Workers Officer in Charge Hans Leo Cacdac disclosed this in a media briefing on Friday, identifying the firm as ELE Group of companies.

“We have around 452 identified Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) seeking assistance and so we have come to the aid of the 452. In process ang pagbibigay ng assistance. In addition to this, there are 50 recipients who are New Zealand residents or dual citizens — sila naman ay tinutulungan ng embahada,” Cacdac told reporters.

(We have around 452 identified OFWs seeking assistance and so we have come to their aid. The provision of assistance is in process. In addition to this, there are 50 recipients who are New Zealand residents or dual citizens who are being assisted by the embassy.)

READ: Philippines, New Zealand to bolster trade, security, OFWs’ welfare

According to Cacdac, the Filipinos were told that “best efforts” were being exerted to refer them to new employers.

“Meron na raw ilan na nakahanap na ng trabaho; we’re still confirming this information sa ngayon,” Cacdac added.

(They said some have already found work; we’re still confirming this information at the moment.)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously disclosed that the closure of ELE Group of companies took effect just before the Christmas holidays, “affecting Filipino workers that were holders of both work visas and resident visas.”

READ: New Zealand economy pulls away from brink of recession

DFA said financial assistance was immediately extended to Filipino workers who were laid off.

“Funding was sourced from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the amount is being disbursed by the Philippine Embassy by wire transfer to the beneficiaries,” said DFA.