PH offers financial aid to OFWs in Dubai, north Emirates affected by crisis

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates whose jobs have been affected by the Middle East crisis may receive one-time financial aid from the Philippine government during this difficult time.

In its Advisory No. 13 s. 2026 issued on April 18, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai urged qualified OFWs to prepare documents that would entitle them to more than AED730 (about $200 or nearly P12,000) in assistance if they lost their job, or were on a "no work, no pay" arrangement with their employer as a result of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Signed by Migrant Workers Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista, the advisory said OFWs may avail of the aid following the approval of the accomplished online OFW application form, "which will be opened periodically" by MWO-Dubai and posted on its website as well as Facebook page.

"OFWs are strongly advised not to visit MWO-Dubai in person. All applications will be received and processed online only," read the advisory, issued following an announcement on the matter by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Manila.

It added that pay-out will be made through money transfer.

Complaints

This early, the comments section of MWO Facebook page has been marred by complaints over alleged extensive requirements.

However, Bautista denied that this was the case, saying the list of requirements only looked long because the MWO-Dubai itemized which documents would suffice. 

The OFW-applicants, Bautista said, need not submit all the documents listed.

"Hindi kasi nila binabasa nang buo. Akala lang nila maraming requirements, pero nakalagay doon 'any or one of the following.' Mahaba siya para mas marami silang option na mag-submit ng isang document kung ano ang available,” said Bautista.

(They did not read it in full. They only thought there were many requirements, but the advisory states that these relate to "any or one of the following." It's long so that they will have many options on which document to submit, depending on availability.)

Eligibility

Eligibility applies to OFWs with employment visa and Emirates ID issued in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Overseas Filipino Workers issued employment visas in Abu Dhabi but who are working in Dubai or the Northern Emirates "must provide proof of their actual work location to qualify."

Other requirements include a Request for Assistance, a copy of which will be issued in a succeeding advisory, copy of passport bio page, and proof of loss of income or work.

"OFWs whose employment has been affected by the crisis are encouraged to prepare the required documents and await further announcements from MWO-Dubai regarding the application process and the distribution of financial assistance," the advisory stated. — VDV, GMA News