Arroyo set to meet with repatriated OFWs from Mideast

04/24/2010 | 06:01 AM

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to meet on Friday with almost 500 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who were repatriated back to Manila from various Middle East countries where they encountered problems and became stranded, according to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) director Eduardo Bellido.

Due to arrive Friday afternoon in three batches were 574 OFWs—465 women and 52 men—with Mrs. Arroyo leading the welcoming ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bellido said in a Malacanang briefing.

The first batch is composed of 454 workers from Saudi Arabia. The second batch has 37 from Syria and Bahrain. The third batch of 83 came from the United Arab Emirates, mostly from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Also included are 57 children, mostly OFW kids.

According to Bellido, said the repatriation was a goodwill gesture offered by different Middle East countries following the recent visits made by the President.

The repatriated OFWs from Metro Manila will be given allowances to pay their travel fare to their provinces. Those going to the provinces, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao, will be staying at the OWWA Halfway Home or the Metro Manila Development Authority Gwapotel until their trips shall have been booked.

Bellido said the returning OFWs would also be given livelihood and skills training, and s assistance in getting local jobs.—JV, GMANews.TV

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