As OFWs expressed dismay towards the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) decision to release cash assistance on displaced overseas workers only, the Philippine Consul General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates Paul Raymund Cortes clarified that the policy and guidelines came from Manila and not from the consulate nor from the labor offices in the UAE.
“Please be aware that the policy comes from Manila and not from the consulate nor from the labor office here,” Cortes commented on his post on the process of getting DOLE-AKAP’s one-time financial aid, which amounted to AED730 or Php10,000.
Many of the Filipinos lambasted the Philippine government for excluding those workers who are on ‘no work, no pay’ situation due to the virus.
According to DOLE, only those employees who have been terminated can only receive the AED730 financial assistance.
“Sir six months confirmed close company namin at lahat ng mga staff ay pauuwiin sa kanya-kanyang bansa once na mag-open na ang airport at flights and no work no pay po kami. Sana po mabigyan din ng oansin ang mga tulad namin sana naman po maging patas ang gobyerno sa mga ganitong pagkakataon at huwag mamili lang nang tutulungan dahil lahat po kami ay apektado din,” one Facebook user wrote.
Several Facebook users have also reacted on the number of required documents to be submitted.
Among the requirements are passport copy, airline tickets (for those in the Philippines), proof of overseas employment (valid employment contract, OEC, Work Permit, Visa/Re-entry), proof of loss of employment on account of Covid-19.
Cortes, on the other hand, added in his comment that he has already taken notice the concerns of his constituents in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and will send it to the appropriate department in Manila.
“We have that taken notice of your concerns and we will forward that to the appropriate authorities in Manila,” he added.
If you have been terminated due to the pandemic coronavirus, please follow the instruction stated by Consul General:
