OFWs stranded by Xiamen plane skid have until Nov 29 to claim payout

Tens of thousands of passengers stranded at NAIA after a Xiamen plane overshot the runway on Aug 16

By The SUN

PCG Advisory 

The Consulate has set Nov. 29 as the deadline for claiming compensation by overseas Filipino workers left stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Aug 16-18 after a Xiamen Air jet skidded off the runway.

A notice posted on the Consulate’s Facebook page listed the requirements for making the application, such as a photocopy of their passport, original air ticket, rebooking proof, immigration stamp showing date of departure from the Philippines, and boarding pass.

 

Reports from Manila said the compensation, paid for by the Department of Foreign Affairs, was set at Php5,000 (HK$715) per affected OFW passenger.

Thousands of passengers, mostly OFWs, were affected by delayed or cancelled flights at NAIA after the runway was closed for nearly two days due to the accident.

About a thousand OFWs had reportedly claimed the financial help before flying out of NAIA but most did not bother applying for it as they were focused on just getting the first available flight out.

Those who failed to get the payout in Manila were advised to apply for it at any Philippine embassy or consulate abroad.

In Hong Kong, Consul Paul Saret said at a Filipino community meeting held on Nov 11 that 206 out of 326 claimants have already received payment.

He said he was still inquiring with the DFA’s Office of Migrant Workers Affairs if those who were unable to take their flights from Hong Kong to the Philippines are also entitled to compensation.

“The guidelines are not clear if the compensation applies both ways,” he said.

Aside from extending financial aid, the DFA had instructed all its overseas posts to help explain to employers, through certifications or direct contact, why their Filipino employees were delayed in returning to work.

Xiamen Air was fined a total of Php33 million for causing havoc at NAIA because of the incident which was traced to pilot error. 

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