Advisory for employers, CW-1 workers returning to Philippines

The Office of Philippine Honorary Consul to the CNMI Glicerio “Eli” Arago said that CNMI-based overseas Filipino workers, or OFWs, who are returning to the Philippines must follow the government-mandated and required COVID-19 testing guide and other procedures.

All employers of OFWs on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are also requested to follow the guidelines and procedures when repatriating their Filipino CW-1 employees. This will assist and help manage expectations and make every Filipino workers’ travel safe in these extraordinary times, said Arago

“These procedures are designed to ease and provide OFWs essential guide and what to expect when they get repatriated back to the Philippines,” he explained.

OFWs returning home are reminded to complete three government online registrations. The main agency—Overseas Workers Welfare Administration—will take care of their COVID-19 testing (swab test) at the airport in the Philippines (Manila, Cebu, or Clark airport), including hotel accommodation quarantine while waiting for the results, currently around five to seven days, meals, and transportation from airport to hotel and to their residence.

The three government online registration links are:  (1) http://oasis.owwa.gov.ph/ – register or update info prior to departure; (2) https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/ – register as early as three days prior to arrival in the Philippines, Electronic Case Investigation Form (e-cif), and (3) http://uwianna.owwa.gov.ph/ – register to arrange transport to home province/residence from hotel quarantine facility that is also available as a mobile phone application, the link is https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.uwinatayo&hl=en

Families traveling together with at least one Filipino CW-1 (or OFW) will be considered all OFWs. This means that all related expenses will be covered by OWWA.  Families travelling together with the OFW may stay in one room, maximum of two persons per room. 

Another informational resource on the OWWA OASIS and UWIAN NA Program can also be viewed on YouTube through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AveBvahidI

Arago is also encouraging employers of Filipino CW-1 visa holders or OFWs planning to return home during this COVID-19 pandemic to closely review the requirements, including updates of the airline and connecting airport that changes from time to time.

Arago said his office will assist employers who are planning for the repatriation of their CW-1 Filipino workers. Employers are requested to notify the Philippine Honorary Consulate at least two weeks in advance when seeking repatriation assistance and provide the following information: (a) list of names for Filipino CW-1 for repatriation; and (b) flight details in order for the Philippine Honorary Consulate-CNMI to notify ahead of time the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C and OWWA for advance assistance request at the airport.

The Philippine Honorary Consulate-CNMI Office is located at Sun Palace Hotel and can be reached through phone at 235-0560 Ext. 115/131 or 233-6293. (PR)