A new travel incentive for overseas Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates was introduced during a community townhall with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., highlighting how digital membership tools are being used to expand practical benefits for Filipinos abroad.
The initiative centers on the OWWA e-Card, which now allows eligible members to unlock partner discounts, including a 5% reduction on economy class tickets with Emirates Airline for OFWs based in the UAE. The airfare discount forms part of a broader collaboration between the carrier and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, aimed at easing travel-related expenses for migrant workers.
According to OWWA, the Emirates benefit is one of several incentives available exclusively to active OWWA members, using the e-Card as digital proof of valid membership. The same system is also being used to facilitate discounts across more than 200 partner establishments worldwide, spanning sectors such as travel, retail, dining, and services.
The announcement was delivered by OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan during the townhall dialogue, positioning the e-Card as more than an identification tool but as a gateway to cost-saving privileges for overseas workers.
OWWA clarified that access to the Emirates discount is limited to economy class bookings and remains subject to membership validity and partner terms, reinforcing the need for OFWs to keep their OWWA status active to avail of the benefit.
