Gov't repatriates 11 more OFWs from South Sudan

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven more overseas Filipino workers have been repatriated by the Philippine government after heavy fighting erupted in South Sudan, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said on Thursday.

The OWWA said that the 11 OFWs arrived in Manila late Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via an Emirates Airline flight.

As this developed, the OWWA said the latest batch are active members of OWWA and will receive benefits such as livelihood assistance in addition to airport assistance accorded them during their arrival.

From the airport, the OWWA team brought seven of the repatriates to the home of their team leader, Eric Ras, in Potatan, Muntinlupa, upon their request.

The batch, comprising of professionals, engineers, and construction workers were deployed by WERR Corporation recruitment agency.

Aside from livelihood assistance under the OWWA-implemented Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay program of the Department of Labor and Employment, the repatriated OFWs may also avail of short training courses under the Skills For Employment Scholarship Program of OWWA while awaiting for absorption in local jobs or redeployment to jobs overseas.