DOLE-AKAP for OFWs

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Published — June 1, 2022

The following post does not create a lawyer-client relationship between Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices (or any of its lawyers) and the reader. It is still best for you to engage the services of your own lawyer to address your legal concerns, if any.

Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.

Read also: Understanding the Rights and Reliefs of Overseas Filipino Workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched “DOLE-AKAP for OFWs” which provides financial assistance to displaced Land-based and Sea-based Filipino workers due to coronavirus diseases (COVID-19). This is a one- time assistance of USD200.00 or PHP10,000.00 or its equivalent to the local currency of the host country. In this light, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has accepted online applications since Monday, 13 April 2020.

Who may be Covered by DOLE-AKAP for OFWs?

1. Regular / Documented OFW, as defined in the 2016 Revised POEA Rules and Regulations refers to those:
1. who possesses a valid passport and appropriate visa or permit to stay and work in the receiving country; and
2. whose contract of employment has been processed by the POEA or the POLO.
2. Qualified Undocumented OFW:
1. who were originally regular or documented workers but for some reason or cause have thereafter lost their regular or documented status;
2. who are not registered with the POEA or whose contracts were not processed by POEA or the POLO, but have undertaken actions to regularize their contracts or status; or
3. who are not registered with the POEA or whose contracts were not processed by POEA or the POLO, but are active OWWA members at the time of availment.
3. Balik-Manggagawa who are unable to return to host country in view of host country lockdown due to COVID19.

Who Are Eligible To Avail The DOLE-AKAP for OFWs?

The following shall be eligible for DOLE-AKAP:

1. Those who have experienced job displacement due to the receiving country’s imposition of lockdown or community quarantine or having been infected by the Disease;
2. Must be still at overseas jobsites, or in the Philippines as Balik-Manggagawa, or already repatriated to the Philippines; and
3. Must not receive any financial support/assistance from the receiving countries/employers.

How to Avail the DOLE-AKAP for OFWs?

1. FOR ON-SITE OFWS
1. OFWS shall submit the following to the Philippine Labor Office (POLO):
1. Accomplished Application Form for Special Cash Assistances downloadable at the POLOS’ website/social media account;
2. Copy of Passport or Travel Document;
3. Proof of overseas employment i.e. valid verified overseas employment, OEC, residence I.D.s, visa / re-entry visa, among others or permit to stay in the receiving country;
4. Proof of loss of employment on account of COVID19; and
5. For OFWS who became undocumented through no fault of their own, proof that the OFW is currently involved in an ongoing case (e.g. case reference number, case endorsement stamped by POLO, among others).
2. After submission of complete documents, POLOS shall evaluate application within 5 working days and notify OFWS on the status of his/her application within 5 working days.
3. If approved, the concerned POLO shall release the USD200.00 through bank transfer / money remittance.
2. FOR OFWS WHO HAVE BEEN REPATRIATED / BALIK-MANGGAGAWA
1. OFWS who have been repatriated to the Philippines and Balik-Manggagawa shall submit the following to the OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOS):
1. Accomplished Application Form for Special Cash Assistance downloadable at the www.dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph;
2. Copy of Passport or Travel Document;
3. Proof of overseas employment i.e. valid verified overseas employment, OEC, residence I.D.s, visa / re-entry visa, among others or permit to stay in the receiving country; and
4. Proof of loss of employment on account of COVID19.
3. After submission of complete documents, RWOS shall evaluate the application within 5 working days and notify OFWS on the status of his/her application within 5 working days.
4. If approved, the concerned DOLE Regional Office shall release the Php10,000.00 through money remittance / Peso Net.

Since stringent social distancing measures are implemented, all submissions of application for “DOLE-AKAP FOR OFWs” are to be done online.

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Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.

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