OFWs in Arab countries top assistance requests to OWWA-6

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) employed in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries make up the majority of assistance requests received by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Western Visayas (OWWA-6).

“Most of the requests for assistance that we receive from OFWs and their families […] The majority of these cases are from the GCC,” said Rizza Joy Moldes, OWWA-6 officer-in-charge regional director.

The GCC is a political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Based on OWWA-6 records, contract violations were the leading cause of assistance requests filed by OFWs in the region.

These violations include nonpayment of wages, failure to receive benefits stipulated in contracts, and job assignments that differ from those agreed upon.

Since January 2024, OWWA-6 has received 833 requests related to contract violations, with 534 cases already resolved.

The second most common issue was health and medical problems, which sometimes prevent OFWs from completing their contracts. A total of 280 requests were filed under this category, with 196 resolved.

Additionally, there were 185 requests concerning abuse, violence, and exploitation, with 199 cases already resolved.

Other requests include personal concerns, immigration issues, and mental health problems.

Moldes also highlighted OWWA’s digital system for handling requests, known as ECARES.

“A family of an OFW that asks for assistance can receive updates on their request immediately. There’s no need for them to physically visit the office,” she explained.

The ECARES system tracks OFW cases, including those filed through the Department of Labor and Employment’s electronic Single Entry Approach (e-SEnA) system.

This integration allows OWWA offices abroad, including the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices and OWWA welfare officers, to promptly notify recruitment agencies about filed complaints.

The system ensures real-time updates and immediate access for connected units, according to Moldes.