ANOTHER batch of 11 overseas Filipino workers from conflict-torn Syria arrived yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).       

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Carmelita Dimzon said the repatriated workers, who arrived at around 4 p.m., have availed of the mandatory repatriation program offered by the government through the Philippine Embassy in Damascus as it raised alert level number 4 in December last year. 

Since the onset of alert level 4, Dimzon said the OWWA repatriation team has extended airport assistance, provided temporary shelter and counseling to arriving OFWs from that country.    

The batch that arrived yesterday was the 28th batch of repatriates from Syria and the total number of  OFWs repatriated from that country has already reached 1,097.       

Dimzon said that before the repatriation, the workers temporarily stayed at the Philippine Embassy Halfway Quarters while negotiations with the workers’ Syrian employers and Syrian authorities are in progress for the OFWs’ exit visas.       

The OWWA repatriation team was at the NAIA to provide assistance in going through immigration and customs formalities. The OFWs will be oriented on the government’s Reintegration Program specifically the “Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay” program, the Livelihood Assistance Program, and the P2-B OFW Reintegration Program.

Source:http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/ofw/26579-11-ofws-from-syria-arrive-at-naia