Two Middle East POLOs resume online application for DOLE AKAP

Two Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in the Middle East have resumed accepting online applications for the Department of Labor and Employment-Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (DOLE-AKAP) program.

In separate advisories, the POLOs in Bahrain and Kuwait announced that they are now accepting applications for the cash assistance of USD200 (PHP10,000) starting noon on Friday (local time).

The POLOs reminded the OFWs that the budget allocation for the program is only limited and applications will be strictly evaluated to give priority to those who are most in need of assistance.

The POLO Bahrain, meanwhile, said all interested applicants may access the online link to the DOLE-AKAP for OFWs which will be posted in accounts: “Philippine Embassy in Bahrain” and “OWWA Manama”.

It also reminded the applicants to follow the instructions and submit the required documents for their applications to be processed.

“Everyone is enjoined to carefully follow the instructions and attach/ upload the correct documents required which include passport, visa, proof of job or income loss such as but not limited to Notice of termination or certification from Employer that it Implemented a ‘No-Work, No-Pay’ or ‘Forced Leave without Pay’ policy as part of adjustment measures to cope with the adverse effect of the pandemic,” it said in a separate advisory.

It added that those who earlier came to the embassy to signify their intention to apply for the assistance and signed their names may apply through the online link to be included in the master list of applicants.

The POLO Kuwait, meanwhile, said the DOLE approved an allocation of PHP1.5 billion sourced from the DOLE-Covid Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).

“Due to the limited budget, only 150,000 OFWs worldwide could benefit from the program, POLO Kuwait is allocated 10,000 of the 150,000 beneficiaries. POLO will stop accepting applications once it reaches 10,000 qualified beneficiaries. To date, POLO has received 16,307 applications,” it added.

It said the 16,307 applications are processed by a team of POLO evaluators to ensure that qualified applicants will receive the USD200 cash assistance.

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