The Filipino Catholic Community – Oman (FCCO) took the lead in hosting Philippine Embassy officials in conducting the second Post-Arrival Orientation Briefing (PAOB) at the main assembly hall in the Ruwi church compound on September 5. The PAOB is a series of information outreach activities initiated by the Philippine Embassy in Oman with Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)-Oman as focal point, to supplement the pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) undertake when leaving for overseas deployment. The aim of the PAOB is to raise awareness on and help OFWs understand better the policies, programs, and issues that affect their lives as workers in a foreign country. In a meeting with Philippine Embassy officials recently, the NGO Migrant Forum in Asia hailed it as an example of best practice in addressing the issues and concerns of OFWs.

Attendees of about 100 OFWs considered the activity a success and found the open dialogue enlightening and empowering. Among the topics covered were Philippine/Oman regulations, consular matters, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership benefits, financial literary and reintegration programs. END