Bill seeking OFW reintegration hurdles House panel

A House of Representatives committee on Monday approved a measure seeking to create a framework providing long-term support for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW), including financial support and psychosocial support.

The House overseas workers affair committee approved an unnumbered committee report that consolidated seven bills that sought to provide “reintegration” support for OFW returnees.

“What makes this measure so important is that it directly addresses what many OFWs worry about, what happens after the contract ends, after they come home,” Party-list Rep. Jude A. Acidre, who heads the House overseas workers panel, said.

“Reintegration isn’t just about giving them seminars or token programs. It’s about building a future they can look forward to,” he added.

Returning OFWs would be given access to government-arranged job fairs to help them search for employment opportunities while in the country, according to a copy of the bill obtained by BusinessWorld.

OFWs would also be granted civil service eligibility appropriate for their level of education attainment and job skills and experience, it added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio