Resource persons from the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Filipino Community during the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for Overseas Filipinos (OFWs) in the Marmara Region on 21 April 2024 (Istanbul PCG photo).

Istanbul, 24 April 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul,  in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Lebanon, successfully conducted a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for Overseas Filipinos (OFWs) in the Marmara Region on 21 April 2024 at Hyatt Centric Levent in Istanbul. This marks the first-ever PAOS conducted since the Consulate commenced its operations in 2020.

The seminar kicked off with an enlightening briefing on the "Bagong Pilipinas" movement by Consul Rachel Anne L. Oronce, setting the tone for discussions on crucial topics concerning the welfare and rights of OFWs.

Highlights of the seminar included a briefing from MWO Lebanon Labor Attache, Atty. Alejandro A. Padaen on the establishment of DMW and its services. Additionally, Welfare Officer Windelin Marquez from OWWA Lebanon shed light on OWWA's extensive programs and services, encompassing education, livelihood support, medical assistance, and more. Vice Consul Maika Fontelera also shared valuable information on Post's Consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services, underscoring the Consulate’s commitment to serving the Filipino community.

Over 80 attendees, comprising newly-arrived workers and more seasoned workers, the majority of whom are women, also benefitted from the expertise of Atty. Nazlı Hilal Kaya and Atty. Setenay Kaya of STNZ Legal, who delved into the labor and immigration laws of Türkiye, equipping attendees with essential knowledge to navigate legal complexities. The seminar concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, fostering interactive dialogue and addressing attendees' queries comprehensively.

Prior to the PAOS, MWO and OWWA Lebanon conducted a two-day outreach mission at the Consulate premises from 19-20 April 2024.  A total of 109 OFWs were served, of which 83 were related to contract verification and 26 OWWA membership renewals and other labor-related concerns of the Filipino community in the Marmara Region. END

Consul Rachel Anne L. Prince provides The seminar commenced an enlightening briefing on the "Bagong Pilipinas" movement (Istanbul PCG photo).

Labor Attache Alejandro A. Padaen provides insights into the establishment of DMW and its services (Istanbul PCG photo).

Welfare Officer Windelin Marquez discusses OWWA's programs and services (Istanbul PCG photo).

Vice Consul Maika Fontelera shares valuable information on Post's Consular and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) services (Istanbul PCG photo).

Atty. Setenay Kaya of STNZ Legal discusses labor-related legal concepts during the PAOS (Istanbul PCG photo).

Atty Nazlı Hilal Kaya of STNZ Legal clarifies immigration law concepts for the seminar participants (Istanbul PCG photo).

Participants actively engage during the Q&A session (Istanbul PCG photo).

Participants actively engage during the Q&A session (Istanbul PCG photo).

Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Lebanon, as well as STNZ Legal Teams pose after the successful conduct of the PAOS and the Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting.

Ms. Jessaline G. Escame of MWO provide contract verification services to OFWs in Istanbul from 19 to 20 April 2024 (Istanbul PCG Photo).

Welfare Officer Windelin Marquez attends to OWWA membership and other labor-related concerns of the a Filipina during the two-day outreach mission from 19 to 20 April 2024 at the Philippine Consulate premises (Istanbul PCG Photo).