OFWs stick it out
The recession is real. It has affected not only locals here in Australia but expat workers including Filipinos.
I recently talked to one of the hundreds of Pinoy OFWs working here and he said that they had to assist another OFW who was resigned to just ‘go home’ after the latter’s position was declared redundant. True enough as for most Pinoys here, optimism has its own reward, the OFW was able to find another job just before the expiration of his visa.
The difference between the unemployed here and our OFWs returning to the Philippines without the possibility of employment is that locals have the support of the government. I remember my colleague’s
fiancé who urged her to take it easy in saving. He explained that ‘the government will take care of them.’ It was quite easy for the man to tell his Asian fiancée that it will be alright because they are used to some fallback in times of trouble. Of course, this is not all true all the time but the fact remains that most of the time, it is true that Pinoy OFWs despite their contribution to the economy might find themselves fending for themselves in this time of recession.
that is sad. hope the Australian government would also extend some form of assistance to OFWs who are a great help to their economy too.
It is sad but I think it is but natural for Australia to protect its own interest but I do sure hope that they also give some assistance to our OFWs, no matter how long shot it is.
they do need them anyway in the long run unless they can really build local skills.