Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 003, S. 1997)
The primary objective is to ensure the immediate repatriation of Filipino migrant workers without prior determination of ultimate responsibility to prevent them from being stranded abroad and avoid negative consequences.
All Filipino Migrant Workers who are in need of immediate or emergency repatriation are the target beneficiaries.
The Field Services Office (FSO) through the Workers Assistance Division (WAD), Regional OWWA Units (ROUs), Overseas Operations Coordinating Center (OOCC) through the Philippine Overseas Labor Officers (POLOs), Internal Management Services Office (IMSO), and Plans and Programs Office (PPO).
The ERF is a fund mandated by Republic Act 8042, created and established under the administration and supervision of OWWA, initially funded with One Hundred Million Pesos advanced from OWWA funds and to be replenished by the General Appropriations Act yearly.
The principal or agency which recruited or deployed the OFW abroad holds the primary responsibility for repatriation and all attendant costs.
The NLRC has exclusive jurisdiction over the ultimate determination of liability for repatriation costs between the agency/employer and the OFW.
In cases of war, armed conflicts, hostilities, epidemics, disasters (natural or man-made), and when the principal or agency cannot be identified, located, or has ceased operations, as well as other emergency situations such as danger to life, striker status, mental or physical illness, and underage workers.
POEA shall suspend the agency's license or impose other sanctions until the agency reimburses OWWA for repatriation costs with legal interest.
For live OFWs: airfare, exit visa, penalties, travel expenses of escorts, and other reasonable expenses. For deceased OFWs: airway bill, mortuary charges, customs duties, quarantine obligations, packaging, clearance costs, and other reasonable expenses.
No, all OFWs needing emergency repatriation assistance shall be repatriated without any refund obligation from the ERF, except for cases not passing validation by POLOs.