DOLE-AKAP Application Ayuda Cash Assistance for OFWs

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), has introduced the DOLE-OWWA AKAP  Assistance for OFWs (DOLE-AKAP). This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been displaced or lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.DOLE-AKAP Application Ayuda Cash Assistance for OFWs program.

Under this program, DOLE is offering a one-time financial aid amounting to US$200.00 (or Php 10,000.00) or its equivalent in the local currency to eligible active OWWA member OFWs who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic but are still stranded in their host countries. If you are an eligible OFW and wish to learn about how to access this cash assistance, the following sections will outline the requirements, qualifications, and procedures necessary to claim the DOLE-AKAP funds.

What is OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs?

The OWWA DOLE-AKAP Financial Assistance Program for OFWs is an initiative launched by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide support and assistance to land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been displaced or laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to ensure the continuity of the original DOLE-AKAP program, which was initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It reflects the government’s commitment to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Under this program, eligible OFWs can receive a one-time cash aid of US$200.00. The financial assistance is intended to help meet the basic needs of OFWs who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The DOLE-AKAP Program was specifically designed to provide additional funds to OFWs in different countries who are in urgent need of assistance and are unable to receive support from their employers or the host government.

It’s important to note that the financial assistance provided by the DOLE-AKAP Program is not a loan, and recipients are not required to repay the amount received. Additionally, there are no fees associated with the application process.

The funding for the DOLE-AKAP Program, as well as the administrative expenses incurred in its implementation, is not sourced from the government or the OWWA Fund. Instead, the program is funded using the budget allocated for the DOLE COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE-CAMP), which amounts to 1.5 billion pesos.

What countries will benefit from the DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs?

Some priority countries or territories for onsite OFWs who can benefit from the DOLE-AKAP Program include:

• Australia
• Brunei Darussalam
• Canada
• Cyprus
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Jordan
• Korea
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Macau
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
• Singapore
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom of Great Britain
• United States of America

What are the Benefits of OWWA DOLE-AKAP for OFWs?

The OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs come with privileges and benefits which include the following:

The proposal suggests providing a non-binding, one-time monetary assistance called “ayuda” to land-based and sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have experienced job loss or displacement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of the aid would be US$200.00.

To ensure accessibility, OFWs would be able to apply for this financial assistance from any location using an online platform or by visiting the POLO-OWWA offices.

To track the progress of their application, OFWs would have the ability to check the status online through the DOLE-AKAP Tracker Status Inquiry platform.

Once approved, the cash aid would be disbursed directly to the bank accounts of the eligible recipients. Alternatively, it could be facilitated through money exchange centers or service providers such as Palawan Express or MLhuillier.

What are the Qualifications for OWWA DOLE-AKAP?

As far as the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program is concerned, here’s a list of people who can avail the benefits of the program:

1. Documented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who meet the following criteria:
   • Possess a valid passport.
   • Hold an appropriate visa or work permit in the host country.
   • Have had their employment contract processed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
2. Active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) who:
   • Were previously regular or documented employees but lost their regular or documented status for any reason.
   • Have not registered with the POEA or had their contracts processed by the POEA or POLO, but are taking steps to rectify their contract or status.
3. Inactive members of OWWA who are qualified undocumented OFWs:
   • Must be active OWWA members at the time of seeking assistance.
   • Are not registered with the POEA or had their contracts processed by the POEA or POLO.
4. Balik-Manggagawa workers who are unable to return to their host country due to lockdown or the Philippine’s Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
5. Balik-Manggagawa workers who are unable to return to their home country due to COVID-19 lockdown in the host country.

The following individuals are ineligible to receive the DOLE-AKAP financial assistance:

1. Those who have already received Php10,000.00 special cash assistance under the Special Financial Assistance to the Stranded OFWs due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019 NCOV ARD).
2. Those who have already received Php10,000.00 financial assistance under the original DOLE-AKAP Program.
3. Individuals whose employment contracts have expired.

Individuals whose employment contracts were terminated for reasons unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are the Requirements when applying for the DOLE-AKAP Program?

To apply for and get a chance to avail the privileges of the OWWA DOLE-AKAP Program for OFWs, land-based and sea-based OFWs whose jobs were affected due to COVID-19 must prepare and submit the following documentary requirements:

Photocopy of passport

Proof of Overseas Employment:

• • • Copy of valid Overseas Employment Contract (OEC)
    • Balik Manggagawa (BM) Online Certificate (if BM)
    • Permit to remain in the receiving country
    • Residence I.D.
    • Visa or Re-entry Visa

Proof of Loss of Employment on account of COVID-19:

• • • Notice/Certificate of Termination of Employment by Employer or Foreign/Philippine Recruitment Agency
    • “Sariling Sanaysay” on the Loss of Employment on Account of COVID-19, with valid I.D.
    • If no termination letter was issued, a summary letter with the cause of loss of employment due to COVID-19
    • Notice of business closure issued by a Foreign Recruitment Agency or the principal/employer
    • Incident report on job termination submitted by the employer to the POLO in question
    • Philippine Embassy/Consulate/POLO/OWWA certification/referral of displacement due to COVID-19

Proof that the host country is on the list of those adversely impacted by COVID-19

1. 1. Proof of Return to the Philippines (for ROF):
      • Boarding Pass
      • Arrival stamp
      • Airline Tickets
   2. For stranded Balik Manggagawa workers:
      • Return ticket or Boarding Pass of the last arrival to the Philippines
      • Valid Visa
   3. Evidence that the OFW is actually interested in an ongoing lawsuit for OFWs who are undocumented through no fault of their own:
      • Case reference number
      • Case endorsement stamped by POLO