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What is the Meaning of OFW Benefits and How to Apply
The OFW meaning is Overseas Filipino Worker. OFW is an acronym for Overseas Filipino Worker. OFW refers to all Filipino workers who have left their home country of the Philippines to work abroad and support their families. Many Filipinos prefer to work outside the Philippines because the facilities and pay are significantly better than at home. OFWs frequently face a variety of challenges, including adjusting to a new culture and missing their families back home. Despite these challenges, OFWs continue to play an important role in the Philippine economy.
Table of Contents
- What is the Meaning of an OFW?
- What are OFW Remittances?
- Benefits for OFWs by OWWA
- Philippine Government Agencies that help OFWs
- What are Common Problems of OFWs
- How to Apply for OFW
- Ongoing OWWA Scholarships
What is the Meaning of an OFW?
An overseas Filipino worker is a Filipino worker who works in another country. They frequently do this to supplement their income and support their families back home. Furthermore, OFWs pay their taxes to the Philippines government, and their remittances help the Philippine economy.
Filipinos have a history of being devoted employees. Because of this, many of them opt to work as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Often, the possibility of greater compensation and working conditions exceeds the dangers and challenges of working abroad. Overseas Filipino workers give back to the Philippine government by paying taxes. Additionally, their remittances contribute to the stability of the nation’s economy.
What are OFW Remittances?
Remittance means the transfer of funds from migrant workers to their dependents or family members who are living in Philippines. There are many formal and informal ways to send this money, including wire transfers, money orders, and traveler’s checks. OFWs regularly use remittances to help their family members back home.
Benefits for OFWs by OWWA
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is a non-profit organization that promotes the welfare and well-being of Filipino workers working abroad. As a result, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration offers a variety of scholarships, insurance, and educational opportunities to Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents.
The OWWA is now accepting applications from students who require financial support while attending school. The government will provide financial assistance to students so that they can continue their study. These scholarships are the finest possibilities for Filipino students whose parents work overseas.
Philippine Government Agencies that help OFWs
The Philippine government agencies that provide services and programs to its residents who live and work in other countries are listed below.
- Philippine Embassies/Philippine Consulates
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
- Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
- Social Security System (SSS)
- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
- Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-lBlG)
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
The Department of Foreign Affairs deals with passport renewals and provides consular services. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration also provides services and information to employees interested in working overseas.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides financial assistance and insurance protection to migrant employees, while the Department of Labor and Employment works to ensure that workers are sufficiently protected by local laws.
Also Read: OEC Australia Requirements | How to Apply
What are Common Problems of OFWs
It’s not as wonderful as it looks to be to be an OFW. Yes, you get to work and go abroad, but you also spend time away from your loved ones. New difficulties, such culture shock and language hurdles, must also be overcome.
- Separation from family and friends.
- Lack of self care, rest and relaxation.
- Limited access to education and training.
- Lack of social support from the local community.
- Learning the local language of that nation.
- Lack of moral and emotional support.
- Difficulty in adjusting to the new environment.
- Fear of being stranded in a foreign country.
- Limited access to quality health care.
- Health issues due to new environment
- Homesickness and longing to family.
- Changes in culture and society.
- Less wages compared to local labour
- Unsafe work environment due to Discrimination.
- Stressful work conditions.
- Poor living and working conditions..
- Lack of financial security.
How to Apply for OFW
OFWs mostly face exploitation and discrimination. They may not have the same privileges or protections as indigenous peoples, and they may be paid less. As a result, OFWs frequently experience homesickness, worry, and depression. They may also struggle to acclimatize to life at home after years away. As a result, it’s critical to be aware of the common challenges that OFWs face in order to be better prepared to deal with them.
OFWs have additional challenges, such as adapting to a new culture and missing family members back home. They must also deal with the hazards and obstacles of working overseas.
Despite this, they continue to work as OFWs for their families and play an important part in developing the Philippine economy.
