Services
The Assist WELL Program is a package of reintegration assistance/ services to address the Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood needs of repatriated workers.
I. WELFARE ASSISTANCE
Welfare assistance shall cover the following:
- Airport assistance - facilitating airport procedures and formalities from the tube to airport exit This also includes dissemination of information and materials on the /1 Assist WELL" Program.
- Temporary shelter/ accommodation - provision of free food and accommodation at the OWWA Hostel while awaiting onward travel to home provinces.
- Transport assistance to residence - provision of transportation services for those residing in Metro Manila or bus fare for those residing in the provinces.
- Emergency medical assistance - provision of medical referral to the airport clinic upon arrival and ambulance services as necessary.
- Stress debriefing - provision of counseling sessions especially to those who may have undergone traumatic experiences.
II. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Employment assistance shall cover the following:
- Job placement/ referral for local employment - assistance in finding local employment through the employment facilitation services of DOLE Regional Offices and Public Employment Service Offices.
- Job placement/referral for overseas employment - assistance in finding overseas employment through referral/ placement to licensed recruitment agencies with available job vacancies that match the qualifications of repatriated workers.
- Competency assessment and certification for repatriated workers who wish to confirm whether they possess the competencies required in a preferred workplace. Skills training will be provided for those who desire to meet the standards.
III. LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE
Livelihood assistance shall cover the following:
- Entrepreneurial development training - provision of training on financial awareness, self-preparation for entrepreneurial roles, business planning and business management
- Livelihood skills training - provision of livelihood and operational skills training, including provision of knowledge and skills development for self-employment This also includes the grant of livelihood starter kits and merchandise.
- Hands-on business mentoring and support - provision of business development services in the form of business consultation and counseling, productivity advice and business networking support for sustaining and expanding businesses.
- Business loan assistance - direct provision of business loan through the Two (2) Billion Reintegration Program Fund or provision of referral services to partner lending institutions.
IV. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Legal assistance shall cover the following:
- Legal advice - provision of counseling services where repatriated workers are informed of their rights and possible options for redress of grievances.
- Conciliation proceedings to afford repatriated workers and their recruitment agencies a venue to discuss the possibility of amicable settlement.
- Assistance in the preparation and filing of complaints for illegal recruitment, recruitment violation and disciplinary action cases.
- Counseling during preliminary investigation and hearings of criminal cases for illegal recruitment.
V. GENERAL PROCEDURE
- Upon receipt of the advisory from the concerned Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the Philippine Embassy with respect to repatriation of a specific group of workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shall prepare the profiles/forms pertaining to the returning group of workers.
- Upon arrival, the OWW A shall provide assistance at the airport.
- Reintegration services consisting of "Assist WELL'' shall be provided.
- Monitoring of provision of services, evaluation, and periodic reporting to the Secretary of Labor and Employment shall be undertaken by the implementing DOLE agencies/ offices.
- The National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) shall maintain the database for "Assist WELL" Program in coordination with other DOLE implementing agencies and under a cost-sharing arrangement
