Why many OFWs turn down emergency repatriation

Many overseas workers who have returned from war-torn areas in the Middle East have one compelling regret: They cannot earn as much here as they were earning abroad.

The government has raised a mandatory evacuation alert in Syria late last year due to escalating political violence but diplomats report difficulties in getting overseas Filipino workers to leave their jobs despite the free tickets home.

Our embassy representatives still need to fully convince them that staying there is already too dangerous—or more dangerous than coming home. Many have yet to pay off their recruitment and travel debts.

An elderly couple came home from Libya last year due to civil strife. They both had jobs there and earned well. Repatriated, they went home to their province. But up to now, they have yet to find jobs. The couple complain that no one wants to hire them because of their age. So now they rely on the support of their children.

Henry and Anna, both former professional workers in Libya, have a similar tale of woe. They were earning well abroad and even bought a condo unit in Manila.  When they suddenly had to return home because of war, they only managed to bring one bag home. It’s been almost two years since the couple lost their jobs. All of their savings have been used up for everyday expenses and monthly bill payments, they complain.

They are constantly searching for jobs here but the the salaries offered are too low, they say. They are hoping to be able to work again in Libya.

Rey, another displaced OFW, works as a taxi driver to provide food for his family. But his children had to stop schooling—two college students and another two in high school. He just doesn’t earn enough here.

He deeply regrets returning to the Philippines.

They are many other examples of OFWs who regret returning to the country. This is the reason most of our kababayan are hesitant about accepting offers of repatriation despite worsening violence in the Middle East.

Some of their relatives here, instead of encouraging their OFW kin to come home, join them in believing that the trouble in strife-torn countries will eventually end.

Can you blame them for not wanting to come home?

Susan Andes, aka Susan K. is on board at Radyo Inquirer 990 dzIQ AM, Monday to Friday 12:30-2:00 p.m. with audio/video live streaming: www.dziq.am. PTV 4, every Friday, 8:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. & GMA News TV International, 3 times a week. Hotlines: 5357209/8819423/0920-968-4700.  E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]