OVER a hundred distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will now be able to celebrate Christmas with their families after being repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator (OWWA).

In a statement, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said a total of 110 repatriated OFWs from the Saudi Arabia came home over the weekend.

Among those repatriated were 88 workers of Azmeel Company in Al Khobar, who were affected by the lockdown of work sites and have failed to receive proper wages and overtime pay.

Another 18 OFWs worked with the Rakan Trading Contracting Company while four were employees of Samama Company.

All 110 workers decided to come home due to violations of their contract by their Saudi employers.

Cacdac said the repatriated workers received a package of assistance that included a P20,000 financial aid.

“We hope that this can help them cope with the daily expenditures,” the OWWA chief said.

Aside from the financial aid, the labor official said the repatriated OFWs can also apply for livelihood assistance should they choose to stay in the country for good.

“A seminar will be arranged for them and they will be required to submit their respective business plans. We will teach them how to do it,” Cacdac said.

Data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed that a total of 60,678 OFWs have been brought home.

Repatriated OFWs have also been provided a total of P872.8 million in financial assistance. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)