Good news to overseas Filipinos in the UAE! The Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) clarified that those who contracted COVID-19 but have been covered by their health insurance can still get assistance from the government.
In line with the announcement, the POLO-OWWA noted that this assistance is available to all members of OWWA.
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OFWs Who Contracted COVID-19 Can Still Apply for Gov’t Assistance in UAE: Here’s How
In an interview with The Filipino Times, POLO-OWWA Welfare Officer Melvin Caseda explained that qualified members will be given one-time financial assistance amounting to AED 730 (Php 9,600).
Caseda added that similar to the financial assistance offered by the Department of Labor and Employment’s AKAP program, the initiative will be on a first-come-first-served basis and is subject to availability of funds.
He explained, “Even if they have insurance at na-cover ang medical expenses nila, they can still apply. After ma-review ang mga requirements, papadalhan ng form ang mga qualified at tatawagan po sila kapag pwede na nila i-claim o available na ang funds.”
With this update, COVID-19 survivors can apply for this program at POLO-Dubai if they are Dubai or Northern Emirates visa holders, while Abu Dhabi visa holders can apply at POLO-Abu Dhabi.
Requirements:
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of working visa
- Medical report/certificate stating that the patient has been diagnosed with or tested for COVID-19
- Proof of OWWA membership
In line with this, those who meet the requirements and are interested to apply for this grant may send an email to ofwcovid19positive@gmail.com.
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