After many years spent abroad, overseas Filipino workers contemplate their return home for good. There’s a feeling of excitement in the idea of reuniting with family and friends. But it also mingles with the challenges of reintegrating into life back in the Philippines.
For many workers who have devoted years working abroad, the journey back can be both a joyous and daunting experience. This blog post aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips for those planning to return to the Philippines permanently.
Whether you’re looking to navigate the complexities of finding a job, adjusting to a different lifestyle, or reconnecting with your roots, these ten tips will help ensure a smooth transition as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
Assess your financial readiness
Imagine having to bid goodbye to long-time colleagues, receiving your last paycheck, and received your well-deserved gratuity pay and other benefits. You know from the start that you’ll eventually end your tenure abroad and reintegrate your life and spend your retirement in the Philippines.
Returning to the Philippines after years abroad requires strong financial planning to ensure stability. Assess your savings by calculating your expected monthly expenses. Will you need to buy property or settle in a house you have built? Do you enough coverage for health and insurance? Are you settling down and build your own family? Or you need to pay tuition fees of children or grandchildren?
Even before you settle back home, you need to settle outstanding bills like taxes, utility and break lease costs, shipment of belongings that comes with customs duties, air fare and other relocation costs.
Check your eligibility to receive monthly pensions, existing investments in property or stock market, passive income, or freelance work to sustain daily expenses while transitioning back home.
Be mindful of financial traps which could begin as overspending on welcome celebrations or buying luxury items upon arrival. A disciplined approach to money management will help secure a comfortable and sustainable life back home.
Review your government contributions and benefits
Review and update your contributions in SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth to ensure accurate records for claiming benefits and pension eligibility.
Familiarize yourself with the requirements to qualify for pension, including contribution history, retirement age, and available withdrawal methods (lump sum or monthly payouts).
Clear any unpaid contributions or obligations to ensure continued eligibility for benefits and to prevent delays in receiving your pension or healthcare coverage.
Understanding the process for claiming your government benefits is essential to avoid delays. Each agency, such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth, has specific requirements, including valid IDs, contribution records, and application forms. Knowing the timelines and submission channels will help streamline the process.
The Philippine government offers reintegration programs to help returning OFWs transition smoothly. These include livelihood assistance, business loans, financial literacy seminars, and skills training. Taking advantage of these programs can provide financial security and new career opportunities after working abroad.
Keeping your beneficiary information updated ensures that your loved ones can rightfully claim benefits in case of emergencies. Check and update your records especially if there have been changes in your family status such as marriage or birth of child.
Secure your immigration and legal documents
Before returning home, check the expiration and cancellation status of your passport, visas, and work permits to avoid any complications with immigration authorities. Update documents to reflect your return.
If you’re eligible, apply for balikbayan benefits to enjoy tax exemptions on items shipped back to the Philippines. Ensure proper documentation to streamline the customs process and maximize your benefits.
Confirm that your taxpayer identification number (TIN) is active and update it if you plan to work, start a business, or file tax returns. Also, secure updated copies from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for legal transactions such as property ownership or benefit claims. If you own real estate properties, review land titles and tax declarations to ensure legal ownership and compliance with local laws.
If you plan to drive, check if your Philippine driver’s license is still valid or if you need to apply for a new one.
Plan Your career or business options in the Philippines
Research the job market in the Philippines for your industry to identify potential employers or freelance opportunities. Consider the demand for your skills and tailor your job search accordingly.
For former OFWs who wish to work near their places of residence, the Public Employment Service Office under the Department of Labor and Employment hosts local job fairs where they will meet potential employers in both private and public sectors.
To those who are keen to explore entrepreneurship, register your business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), depending on the business structure.
The Philippine government offers reintegration programs to help OFWs transition back home. Research available initiatives, such as livelihood support, training, and financing, to ensure a smoother reintegration process.
Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!
Grants P20,000 worth of starter kits or business capital for distressed / displaced OFWs and includes financial literacy training.
OFW Reintegration Program is a collaboration between OWWA and Land Bank of the Philippines that offer low-interest business loans for former OFWs. Loanable amount if up to P2 million for single proprietorship and P5 million for group of OFWs forming a partnership or corporation.
Enterprise Development and Loan Program
This option provides financial support to returning OFWs who wish to start or expand their business. Loanable amount is from P100,000 to P2 million for individual borrowers and up to P5 for group loan with a fixed 7.5% interest for the duration of the loan.
Understand the healthcare system and insurance options
Ensure your PhilHealth membership is active by enrolling or updating your details. This will provide you with essential health coverage and access to benefits, including medical treatments and hospitalization.
While PhilHealth offers basic coverage, private health insurance can offer more comprehensive protection. Research different providers and plans to ensure you are fully covered for major medical expenses and emergencies.
Before returning home, research quality hospitals and clinics near your new residence. Look for well-established institutions with good reviews and accessible services to ensure reliable healthcare options when needed.
Arrange housing and living conditions
Buying offers long-term investment potential, but requires significant upfront capital and maintenance. Renting provides flexibility with lower initial costs but lacks equity buildup. Renovating an existing property allows customization but can be time-consuming and costly.
Before committing, research current real estate prices to understand market trends. Verify the legal ownership of the property to avoid issues like disputes or incomplete titles, ensuring a smooth transaction and ownership transfer.
Before moving into a new property, confirm that essential utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are connected and functional. This prevents delays and ensures a comfortable transition to your new home.
Prepare for cultural and social adjustments
Many former OFWs struggle with lifestyle changes and social expectations when they return to the Philippines.
You may observe that public services may be inefficient compared to where you came from or a simple transaction like bank withdrawal or renewing documents take longer.
Family dynamics may have also changed, and OFWs often find that their children or spouses have become more independent in their absence. Parents may struggle to reconnect with their grown-up children who were raised by grandparents or other relatives.
In some cases, returning OFWs are often expected to treat everyone around them, just as they used to do during their past vacations, and expected to shoulder bulk of financial support to family expenses. They might find themselves as the go-to person for lending money.
There’s also the difficulty looking for jobs as applicants at certrain age level might become low priority for employers. They could also find themselves bypassed for jobs due to being “overqualified” or lack of local job experience.
Changes in language, political atmosphere, and media trends can make returnees feel disconnected. For example, the type of shows on local TV may be very different from the accustomed programs abroad.
Then, there’s that loss of independence and routine. Filipinos abroad may have developed certain routine that suit their lifestyle abroad like going to the gym or serving the church community. Back in the Philippines, they might struggle with being surrounded by extended family all the time.
Be familiar with educational options for children (if applicable)
Explore different school options based on your child’s needs. Public schools offer affordable tuition but may have larger class sizes, while private schools may offer better facilities but require higher financial commitment.
Gather necessary documents for enrolment, such as birth certificates, proof of residence, previous school records, and vaccination records. Some schools may require an entrance exam or additional documents, so check their specific requirements early.
Understand the local education structure, including grade levels, curriculum, and school schedules. Research the school holidays, grading system, and any other policies regarding uniforms, behavior, and extracurricular activities to ensure a smooth transition for your child.
Re-establish local banking and financial transactions
Visit a local bank to open or update your account to facilitate seamless transactions. Ensure you bring necessary documents like proof of residence and identification. Consider choosing banks with wider ATM networks, more favorable account options, interest rates, and online services for convenience.
Explore digital banking platforms and e-wallet apps like GCash or PayMaya for secure, cashless transactions. These platforms allow easy bill payments, money transfers, and online purchases, making managing finances more efficient in the Philippines.
Stay informed about exchange rates when converting your foreign currency to pesos. Use reputable services, such as banks or remittance centers, and compare rates to get the best deal. Consider transferring larger sums when rates are favorable to maximize your funds.
Bill payment for utilities, insurance or taxes may be more time consuming in the Philippines than in other countries as the process is not fully automated and may require personal rather than online transactions.
Get involved in the community and stay informed
Connect with organizations that offer support for returning OFWs. These groups provide valuable information, resources, and emotional support during your transition, helping you navigate reintegration, find employment, or start a business.
Stay updated on government policies, regulations, and news that directly impact returnees, such as new tax laws, benefits for OFWs, or changes in the labor market. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your reintegration.
Participate in community events, volunteer opportunities, or local hobby groups to reconnect with your roots. These activities help rebuild relationships and provide a sense of belonging, easing the adjustment to life back home.
Conclusion
Returning to the Philippines requires patience and flexibility as you adjust to new routines and changes. With proper planning, a fulfilling transition is possible. Remember, returning home is not just a financial decision, but an emotional journey that deserves thoughtful consideration and preparation.