Report on study tour to India and Philippines 16th -24 March 2010

This is in view of the serious challenges that the country has faced on account of skills flight where currently approximately three (3) million Zimbabweans are resident abroad. The Government is aware that other countries, such as India and the Philippines have successfully mobilized their nationals abroad to contribute to their development process. The two countries have successfully implemented policies and have institutions dedicated to migration and Diaspora issues. It was against this background that a delegation of Zimbabwe Government officials undertook a study tour of the two countries.

In pursuance of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Migration and Development mandate to exchange views and knowledge as well as learn best practices on migration management and Diaspora engagement a delegation undertook a study tour of India and the Philippines from 16 to 23 March, 2010. The delegation comprised:

1. Mr. L. Muriritirwa, Principal Director ( Prime Ministers Office);

2. Mr. G. D. Nyaguse, Director ( Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion);

3. Mrs. C. Chemwayi, Deputy Director (Ministry of Foreign Affairs);

4. Mr. P. Chali, Acting Deputy Director (Ministry of Regional Integration and International Cooperation);

5. Ms. S. Moyo, ( Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion); and

6. Mr. T. Mushope ( Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion);

The essence of the visit was to learn about the following:

The institutional structures that have been put in place to encourage and promote remittances by their nationals domiciled abroad:

social welfare

Citizenship and voting rights

Diaspora engagement

INDIA STUDY

The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador H.E. K. Utawunashe to announce the delegations presence in New Delhi, India as well as brief him about the purpose of the study tour.

The delegation met with senior officials of the Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs (MOIA) led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. A. Didar Singh who in his opening remarks expressed Indias willingness and readiness to work with Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular on issues regarding Diaspora engagement. Migration and the movement of people was the origin of nationhood, imperial conquests and contemporary globalization and the Diaspora is therefore a result of migration which could be beneficial if well organized and properly managed.

Dr. Singh indicated that currently India, Ireland, United Kingdom, Georgia, Bangladesh, Armenia, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Syria and Tunisia have independent Ministries devoted to migration development and management of Diaspora affairs. In Africa it was noted that South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe were initiating processes to formally address migration and development issues.

India currently has more than 25 million People of Indian Origin (PIO) spread over 189 countries around the world. Half of them have acquired citizenship in the countries of their host, while the remaining 12.5 million remain Non- Resident Indians (NRI) who still retain Indian citizenship while living abroad. The Indian Diaspora brings an average of 50 billion dollars per year through remittances, which is higher than China.

In terms of concentration, the largest number of the Indian Diaspora is found in the Gulf States which account for five million workers who are on employment contracts ranging from 3- 10 years. This group which constitutes circular labour does not move with their families and does not acquire foreign citizenship. However, they remit their wages to sustain their families back home. Due to the importance and tremendous potential the Diaspora hold, the Indian Government has taken steps to formally engage with them.

CITIZENSHIP STATUS OF THE INDIAN DIASPORA.

The Indian Government does not allow dual citizenship. However, it categories its Diaspora into two namely PIOs and NRIs.

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)

Person of Indian Origin (PIO) means a foreign Citizen not being a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh who is specified by the Central Government from time to time if:

He/ She at any time held an Indian passport; or

He /She or either of his/her parents or grand-parents or great grandparents was born in and permanently resident in India and other territories that became part of India thereafter provided neither was at no time a citizen of any of the aforesaid countries .

He/ She is a spouse of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin.

Facilities extended to PIO card holder

A PIO card holder shall not require a separate visa to visit India

A PIO card holder would be exempted from the requirement of registration if his stay on any single visit in India does not exceed 180 days,

In the event that he/ she exceeds the 180 days he/ she shall have to get him/herself registered within 30 days of the expiry of the 180days with the concerned foreigners regional registration officer.,

All PIOs including PIO card holders shall enjoy parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities available to the latter, in the economic , financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties. No parity shall be allowed in the sphere of political rights.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

Non- Resident Indians are Indian Citizens who stay abroad for employment/carrying on business or vocation outside India or stays abroad under circumstances indicating an intention for an uncertain duration of stay abroad is a non-resident. PIOs are treated on par with non-resident Indian Citizens (NRIs) for the purpose of certain facilities.

The following are the three main categories of NRIs:-

Indian citizens who stay abroad for employment or for carrying on a business or Vocation or any other purpose in circumstances indicating an indefinite period of stay abroad.

Indian citizens working abroad on assignment with foreign government agencies like United Nations Organization (UNO), including its affiliates, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank etc.

Officials of Central and State Government and Public Sector undertaking deputed abroad on temporary assignments or posted to their offices, including Indian diplomat missions, abroad.

The residential status of a person is decided under two different Acts, one under Income Tax Act, 1961, ( I.T. Act) and another under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA). The concept of Non-Resident under FERA is different as compared to that under Income Tax Act. Under Income Tax Act, the residential status of a person is determined on the basis of number of days he stays in India whereas under FERA, it is the intention of a person to be in India or outside India would be an important factor determining his residential status.

Institutional Framework

In India since 1824 Diaspora issues were handled by the Ministries of External Affairs, Finance and Labour. However in 2004 the Government of India reorganized portfolios and established the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The Ministry draws its mandate from the Emigration Act of 1983, which defines the scope of regulating the migration process, with the objective of making emigration an orderly economic process.

Its major responsibility is to facilitate sustained interaction of overseas Indians with India and to extend institutional support for individual initiatives to harness the knowledge, skills and investible resources of overseas Indians to supplement the national development efforts.

The MOIA is the focal Ministry for all matters relating to overseas Indians. Indias engagement with its Diaspora has been mainstreamed with the establishment of the Ministry. The Ministry is headed by a Cabinet Minister and has three functional service divisions; Diaspora Services, Financial Services and Emigration Services

DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) is engaged in several initiatives with Overseas Indians in promotion of trade and Investment, emigration, education, culture, health and science and technology among others. Given the region and country specific ethos and expectations of the Diaspora, MOIA has policies, programmes and schemes that seek to meet the varied expectations and the needs of the diverse overseas Indian community under the following:

Overseas Citizenship of India ( OCI) scheme,

Awareness campaign on the risks of irregular migration,

Know India programme

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ( Overseas Indians Day)

Tracing the roots scheme,

Scholarship Programme for diaspora Children (SPDC)

Setting up of a PIO university

Overseas Indian facilitation Centre

Oversea Workers Resources Centre

India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians

E-governance in Emigration

1. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme

In response to persistent demands for “dual citizenship” particularly from the Diaspora in North America and other developed countries and keeping in view the Governments deep commitment towards fulfilling the aspirations and expectations of Overseas Indians, the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme was introduced by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955 in August 2005.

The Scheme provides for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on independence or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 except who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh.

The OCI does not confer political rights. The registered Overseas Citizens of India shall not be entitled to the rights conferred on a citizen of India regarding equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. The OCI documents consist of OCI Registration Booklet and a Universal visa sticker. It is mandatory for registered OCIs to carry their passports which carry the Universal visa sticker for entry into / exit from India.

A registered Overseas Citizen of India is granted multiple entry, multipurpose, life-long visa for visiting India, he/she is exempted from registration with Foreign Regional Registration Officer or Foreign Registration Officer for any length of stay in India, and is entitled to general parity with Non-Resident Indians in respect of all facilities available to them in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.

The Ministry has issued notifications granting registered OCIs further benefits as under Parity with Non-Resident Indians in the matter of inter-country adoption of Indian children, tariffs in domestic air fares, entry fee for visiting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, entry fees for visiting the national monuments, historical sites and museums in India and practicing the following professions in India Doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists, Advocates, Architects and Chartered Accountants..

An on-line OCI miscellaneous service is now available for re-issuance /issuance of duplicate OCI documents, in case of issuance of new passport, change of personal particulars, viz, nationality, name, change of address/occupation, etc. and loss/damage of OCI registration certificate/visa.

2. Know India Programme

Know India Programme of the Ministry is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, Science & Technology, Communication & Information Technology, culture. These are conducted in Partnership with one or two state Governments

The participants, PIOs in the age group of 18-26 years, are selected based on recommendations received from Heads of Indian Missions/Posts abroad. Selected participants are provided with full hospitality in India during the duration of the programme. 90% (ninety percent) of the total cost of air ticket (at lowest economy excursion fare) is refundable to the participants on successful completion of the programme by them.

The content of the programme broadly includes the following presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors, Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute, presentation on the industrial development and visits to some Industries, visit to a village to better understand the typical village life, exposure to Indian media, interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women affairs, visit to places of historical importance/Monuments, taking part in Cultural programmes, exposure to yoga and call on high dignitaries, which may include President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Ministers in-charge of Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports.

3. Establishment of a PIO/NRI University

The High Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora (HLCID) and commitments made at the highest level recommended the establishment of the PIO?NRI university. However, the Ministry is in the process of setting up a PIO/NRI University for the benefit of children of Overseas Indians. The University is to be accorded the status of Deemed University de-novo under Section 3 of the UGC Act. The University would be set up by Manipal Academy of Higher Education Trust (MAHET), Manipal at Bangalore, Karnataka.

4. Tracing the roots scheme

The Ministry launched a new scheme called Tracing the Roots in October 2008 which facilitates PIOs in tracing their roots in India. The Ministry has signed an MOU with an organization called Indiroots. PIOs, who intend to trace the roots of their ancestors in India, have to apply in a prescribed form through the Indian Mission/Post in the country of

their residence

5. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conventions organized annually since 2003 on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian origin or an organization or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who have excelled in ones field for outstanding work which has enhanced Indias prestige in the country of residence and who has made;

significant contribution towards better understanding abroad of India and support to Indias causes and concerns in a tangible way;

significant contribution for the welfare of diaspora;

notable contribution in philanthropic and charitable work and for social and humanitarian causes in India and abroad;

significant contribution in building closer links between India and its Diaspora in the economic, cultural and scientific fields; and

For eminence in his skills which has enhanced Indias prestige in that country (for non-professional workers).

6. Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC)

Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC) was introduced in the academic year 2006-2007 with the objective to make higher education in India accessible to the children of overseas Indians and promote India as a centre for higher studies.

Under the scheme, 100 PIO/NRI students are awarded scholarship of up to US$ 3,600 per annum for undergraduate courses in Engineering, Technology, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management, Journalism, Hotel Management, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and some other courses. It is open to NRIs/PIOs from over 40 countries having substantial Indian Diaspora population.

7. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on the 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led Indias freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.

PBD conventions are being held every year since 2003. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.

During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in Indias growth. The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.

PHILIPPINES STUDY

In Philippines the Zimbabwe Delegation visited two agencies under the Department of Labour and Employment namely the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The creation of OWWA emanated from the Constitutional mandate for the State to affirm labour, local and overseas, as a primary social economic force, and to guarantee the protection of the rights of the overseas workers and the promotion of their interests and general well-being. The POEA is an attached agency of the Department of Labour and Employment which is mandated to manage the countrys overseas employment program.

CITIZENSHIP STATUS OF THE FILIPINO DIASPORA

Former natural-born Filipinos who retain or re-acquire Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 (Citizen Retention and Re-Acquisition Act of 2003) shall enjoy full rights enjoyed by any Filipino, subject to certain conditions.

The law covers only natural-born Filipinos (born of one or both parents who are Filipino citizens at the time of birth) who acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization.

Republic Act 9225 amends Commonwealth Act No. 63, which provides that a Filipino citizen may lose his Philippine citizenship either by naturalization in a foreign country, or by express renunciation of citizenship or by subscribing to an oath of allegiance to support the constitution or laws of a foreign country upon attaining twenty-one years of age or more, or accepting commission in the military, naval or air service of a foreign country or cancellation of the certificate of naturalization or having been declared by competent authority, a deserter of the Philippine armed forces in time of war, unless subsequently, a plenary pardon or amnesty has been granted and In case of a woman, upon her marriage, to a foreigner if, by virtue of the laws in force in her husbands country, she acquires his nationality.

Former Filipinos who comply with the requirements can now own land just like any Filipino. They can also run for public office, provided that at the time of filing their certificates of candidacy, they renounce all foreign citizenship

The conditions for those intending to exercise their right of suffrage must meet the requirements of the Constitution, known as The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003? and other existing laws, make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized to administer an oath and they renounce their oath of allegiance to the country where they took that oath before taking new office;

The right to vote or be elected or appointed to any public office in the Philippines cannot be exercised by, or extended to, those who are candidates for or are occupying any public office in the country of which they are naturalized citizens; and/or are in active service as commissioned or non-commissioned officers in the armed forces of the country which they are naturalized citizens.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Migration management and Diaspora issues in Philippines are handled by the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The DOLE is the primary agency of the Philippine Government mandated to promote gainful employment opportunities, protect and promote workers welfare. The DOLE stands as the Government agency mandated to formulate policies, implement programs and services and serve as the policy-coordinating arm in the field of labour and employment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs provides advice on matters relating to the formulation and execution of Philippine foreign policy relating to the protection of the dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms of Filipino citizens abroad, while giving particular attention to the protection and promotion of the welfare and dignity of overseas Filipinos. It is the third pillar of Philippine foreign policy and one of the highest priority concerns of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts.

WELFARE PROGRAMS

1. Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

The POEA facilitates the generation and preservation of decent and quality overseas employment for Filipinos in partnership with all stakeholders. Its mandate includes among others Employment facilitation, enters into memorandum of understanding on the hiring of Filipino workers with labor receiving countries, facilitates the deployment of workers hired through government to government arrangement, accreditates /registers foreign principals and employers hiring Filipino workers, approves manpower request of foreign principals employers, evaluates and processes employment contracts, assist departing workers at the ports of exit, develops and monitors markets and conducts market research and provides system of workers registry

The POEA is involved in protecting workers where it conducts pre-employment orientation and anti-illegal recruitment seminars nationwide, conducts Pre-Deployment Orientation Seminars (PDOS) of workers hired through the government arrangements and name hires, networks with non-government organizations, workers organizations, provides legal assistance for victims of illegal recruitment and provides repatriation assistance for its citizens.

It is also involved in hearing and arbitrating complaints and cases filed against recruitment and manning agencies, foreign principals and employers, and overseas workers for reported violation of POEA rules and regulations.

PRIORITY PROGRAMS

1. Worker Education/Anti-illegal Recruitment Program

The POEA conducts pre-employment orientation seminars in collaboration with local government units to inform applicant-workers on the realities of migration, the right process of getting overseas jobs, other alternatives to overseas employment conditions in host countries.

POEA also conducts pre-departure orientation seminars to workers hired through the government facility to prepare them for the culture in host country and as well as brief them on the rights and responsibilities as overseas workers.

2. OFW One stop Processing Center

The OFW one-stop processing center is a facility where 14 government agencies involved in the documentation of workers both land-based and seafarers are housed in one place to ensure fast and smooth OFW transactions.

3. Government-to-Government Recruitment Arrangement

The Government-to-Government scheme facilitates the employment of workers to Taiwan under the Special Hiring Program and South Korea through its Employment Permit System

OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION (OWWA)

OWWA develops and implements responsive programs and services, while ensuring fund availability towards the protection of the interest and promotion of the welfare of its members OFWs. The agency has two-fold mandate to deliver welfare services and benefits and to ensure capital build-up and fund viability.

Its major objectives is to protect the interest and promote the welfare of OFWs in recognition of their valuable contribution to the overall development effort, facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Labor Code concerning the responsibility of the government to promote the well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Provide social and welfare services to OFWs, including insurance, social work assistance, legal assistance, cultural services, and remittance services, ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and sustainability of the fund through sound and judicious investment and fund management policies, undertake studies and researches for the enhancement of their social, economic and cultural well-being and to develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare of OFWs.

PRIORITY PROGRAMS

1. Insurance and Health-Care Program Benefits

Life/Accident Insurance- A member is covered with life insurance for the duration of his employment contract. The coverage includes P100,000.00 for natural death and P200,000.00 for accidental death.

Disability and Dismemberment Benefits- A member shall be entitled to disability/dismemberment benefits ranging from P2,000.00 to P50,000.00.

Total Disability Benefit- In case of total permanent disability, a member shall be entitled to P100,000.00.

Burial Benefit- A burial benefit of P20,000.00 shall be provided in case of the member’s death.

2. Education and Training Programs

An OFW-OWWA member may avail for himself/herself or his/her duly designated beneficiary any of the following scholarship programs, subject to a selection process and accreditation of participating institutions.

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

The Education for Development Scholarship Program is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA member-OFWs who intend to enroll in any 4 to 5-year baccalaureate course. It is given in the form of a financial assistance amounting to P 30,000.00 per semester. The OWWA pays the tuition fee directly to the school and releases the remaining amount upon the scholars’ submission of grades for the semester.

Scholarship Privileges

Financial assistance amounting to P 30,000.00 per semester

The scholar may choose his / her desired program/course offered by CHED-accredited college or university. Scholarship shall continue until completion of the course (4-5 years), regardless of the status of OFW membership provided the Scholarship Agreement is complied with Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP). The Skills for Employment Scholarship Program is a scholarship program that the OWWA offers in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), to land-based or sea-based OWWA member-OFW or their dependents/beneficiaries. A qualified applicant may avail of either a one-year technical of a six-month vocational course offered following the regular school year calendar.

The amount of financial assistance will be paid directly to the training institution. If the tuition fee is more than the financial assistance, the scholar will shoulder the difference. If the tuition fee is less, the difference will be given to the scholar upon completion of the course.

Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

The Seafarers’ Upgrading Program is intended to provide OWWA-member seafarers job-related training in priority maritime courses identified by the Maritime Training Council. It is designed to upgrade the skills, and develop the expertise of Filipino seafarers in accordance with technological advancements and international maritime standards.

Beneficiaries under the SUP receive from OWWA financial assistance for training costs, ranging from a minimum of P 1,200.00 to a maximum of P 7,500.00. These amounts are inclusive of meal and transportation allowances in the case of trainees referred to the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP).

DOLE-OWWA Tulay Microsoft Project

In partnership with Microsoft Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and OWWA launched Tulay or Bridge Education Program, which provides OFWs IT training and access to technology that will enable them and their families to communicate through the internet.

The Tulay or Bridge Education Program is a part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP), a global initiative aimed at providing technology and skills for underserved individuals. OFWs and their families learn the basics of computer applications such as MS Word, Powerpoint, Excel as well as internet and e-mail use at the Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC).

Through Tulay, the OWWA expects OFWs to gain IT skills that will enhance their work, thus increasing their value in the workplace. These new IT skills can further help them become more competitive in pursuing a career in the country upon their return.

The project also aims to address the primary issue of family disintegration. It is hoped that through the project, problems arising form OFWs’ prolonged separation from their families will be greatly minimized and as it mitigates the social impact of being away from home because of the accessibility and ease of using technology to connect and communicate to loved ones at home.

Tuloy-Aral Project

The Tuloy-Aral Project was launched in December 2004 with the objective of assisting the children of less fortunate former OFWs as well as other poor and needy elementary and high school children. The DOLE and the OWWA regional offices, with the assistance of DSWD, identify children of former OFWs needing financial assistance to send to school. The DSWD or DOLE/OWWA prepares a family profile that shall serve as the basis for the selection of the beneficiary.

The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) are tasked to promote and identify OFWs who are successful, financially stable and in good standing to act as prospective foster parents. OFW organizations may also volunteer to act as foster parents.

Identified foster parents are requested to provide a US $ 100.00 financial support per year to the child-beneficiary to enable him/her to continue his/her elementary or high school education. The amount will help cover for expenses such as books, school supplies, materials for projects, transportation, authorized school contributions, and allowance for the whole school year.

The OWWA Family Welfare Officers monitor each child’s progress in school. The Tuloy-Aral project is nationwide in coverage as it is being replicated in each region of the country.

3. SOCIAL SERVICES AND FAMILY WELFARE ASSISTANCE

Family Welfare and Assistance Program

The Repatriation Program provides services to facilitate immediate repatriation of distressed OFWs, medically-ill OFWs, human remains, etc. like airport assistance, domestic transport, temporary shelter, etc.

The reintegration program has two major components which are economic and psycho-social components. The psycho-social components includes community organizing program or organizing of OFW family circles and services like social counseling, family counseling, stress debriefing, and training on capacity building, value formation, etc. The economic component on the other hand, includes social preparation programs for livelihood projects or community-based income generating projects, skills training and credit facilitation and lending. At present, the economic component has two (2) loan programs: the OWWA-NLSF Livelihood Development Programs for OFWs (LDPO) and the OFW Groceria Project.

OWWA-NLSF LDPO Project

This program is a joint undertaking of OWWA and National Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF). to address the economic component of the OFW Reintegration Program. It is meant to further improve access to entrepreneurial development opportunities and credit facilities to OFWs, their families, and organizations. Possible enterprises include: (a) trading (general merchandise and buy and sell, etc.), (b) services (repair shops, restaurants, parlors, etc.), (c) manufacturing (meat/fruit processing, shoes, etc.) and (d) agri-business (tilapia culure, piggery, poultry, etc.).

OFW GROCERIA PROJECT

This project aims to improve the socio – economic situation of the overseas Filipino workers and their families by providing livelihood and self-employment opportunities through the establishment of 1,000 grocery stores nationwide.

The project is an interest-free loan assistance package extended in the form of merchandise goods worth P 50,000.00 per qualified OFW Family Circle (OFC) beneficiary nationwide.

The intended beneficiaries are OFW Family Circles (OFCs) composed of OFW families organized by the OWWA’s Family Welfare Officers, NGOs, Philippine Council for OFW Reintegration (PhilCORE) members, faith-based organizations and OFW returnees and displaced OFWs.

Workers Assistance and On-site Services

Repatriation Program – The OWWA provides and sustains assistance to all its members in all its regional and overseas offices. Services that members may avail on-site includes: locating missing OFW’s; providing information and guidance; developing materials for the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars; conducting psycho-social counseling and conciliation services; medical and legal assistance, outreach missions, and training, among others.

On behalf of the OFW, the OWWA may provide appropriate representation with employers, agents and host authorities.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Bilateral Agreements

Zimbabwe should enter into Bilateral Agreements with countries with largest pool of Zimbabwean Diasporas to regularize their stay in host countries. Regularization will enable the Diasporas to be given equal treatment as the citizens of that country in terms of basic minimum wages and welfare benefits. This will in turn enable them to open bank accounts that can be used to remit money back home and receive their pension funds that can cushion them when they repatriate back home.

2. Citizenship and Voting rights Issues

Zimbabwean Diasporas are so concerned about the issue of dual citizenship and voting rights. We would recommend that they be given dual citizenship. However, the new Constitution will determine whether they are granted voting rights or not.

3. Institutional framework/structures

i. There is need to establish basic Zimbabwean entitlements in terms of timely issuance of documents at head office and embassies. There is need to decentralize the issuance of identification of document to Embassies as was the case before.

ii. There is need to empower the Migration and Development Unit to enable its operations in dealing with Diaspora issues

4. Celebrating Zimbabwe National events abroad

Zimbabwean Diaspora should be given an opportunity to celebrate national events in their countries of destination. This helps in cultivating a sense of belonging and hence their participation in national development.

5. Establish a committee of prominent Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to be chaired by the Prime Minister.

A committee constituted by prominent Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to be established. This will enable them to air their views and suggestions. As such, their participation in national development will be facilitated.

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