Sen. Raffy Tulfo conducts surprise inspection at PH Consulate in Dubai, calls for improved services for OFWs
Senate Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Sen. Raffy Tulfo conducted an unannounced inspection at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to assess the efficiency of services provided to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The visit focused on the operations of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), institutions crucial to assisting OFWs.
Concerns raised by OFWs
In a news release, Tulfo said he was met with a wave of concerns from OFWs waiting for contract verification services. Many raised issues regarding long processing times, scheduling delays, and customer service quality.
Addressing the concerns, Tulfo called on Assistant Labor Attaché Jeane Mendoza to enhance service efficiency and improve the treatment of OFWs seeking assistance.
He underscored that many workers visiting the MWO had already experienced challenges in their workplaces, and they should be met with understanding and prompt support at the consulate.
Immediate actions, recommendations
Another major concern raised was the three-month waiting period for contract verification appointments. The senator emphasized the urgency of streamlining the process to reduce delays and ensure that more OFWs receive timely assistance.
He also took note of the long wait for payment receipts after contract verification processing. To address this, he ordered that receipts be issued immediately upon payment to prevent unnecessary delays.
Upon learning that MWO operations on Fridays were only for half a day, he immediately contacted Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac to propose extending office hours. Cacdac promptly agreed to implement full-day Friday operations to increase service efficiency.
Meanwhile, Assistant Labor Attaché Mendoza assured the senator that the recommendations would be acted upon immediately. Before concluding his visit, Tulfo committed to recommending additional staffing at MWO Dubai to Secretary Cacdac, with the goal of expediting transactions and enhancing overall service efficiency.
Prior to this visit, Tulfo also conducted an ocular inspection at the MWO in Riyadh.
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