11 October 2022, CANBERRA – Consul General Aian Caringal of the Embassy of the Philippines in Canberra met with representatives of Homeward Assisted Returns Program Australia, Ms. Anna Darroch and Ms. Evelyn Haddad, to explore possible areas of cooperation on extending assistance to Filipinos in distress in Australia.

Consul General Caringal discussed the Philippines’ policy on migration and development and the advanced model of overseas employment practiced in the country. Homeward Assisted Returns introduced their programs and experience on providing support to foreign nationals in Australia.

With the support of the Australian Department of Home Affairs (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/status-resolution-service/help-to-leave), Homeward Assisted Returns Program provides non-citizens of Australia with an option to voluntarily depart the country. These include foreigners on bridging, temporary, expired and without valid visas, among others who cannot afford the airfare to return to their countries.

The organization which started in 2019 has assisted about 1,500 individuals from 66 countries, including 16 Filipinos. Their website www.assistedreturns.com.au and contact details are 1300 09 HOME (1300 094 663) and email: contact@assistedreturns.com.au -END