Thousands of overseas Filipino workers whose livelihoods have been upended by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are now eligible to receive USD 200 in one-time financial assistance, with the Department of Migrant Workers confirming that distribution is actively underway.
The cash grant — equivalent to roughly ₱12,000 — is drawn from the government’s AKSYON Fund and targets land-based workers across 10 countries: Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Workers who were terminated, placed under a no-work-no-pay arrangement, or saw their wages or hours cut as a direct consequence of regional hostilities are covered under the program.
“So far, all systems are go for the continued distribution of the USD200 financial assistance for affected workers,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.
The program is backed by an ₱800 million budget replenishment authorized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and released by the Department of Budget and Management, bringing the AKSYON Fund’s total to ₱2 billion. Cacdac noted that the allocation covers not only on-site assistance but also repatriation logistics and airfare for workers returning home. Beyond the $200 on-site grant, returning OFWs are entitled to an additional ₱10,000 upon arrival in the Philippines.
DMW Assistant Secretary Jun Rasul said the scope of employment disruption has been wide. “The department has decided to simplify the procedure for application and make it easier for our affected OFWs to avail of this financial assistance of $200,” he said.
Under the revised guidelines — originally issued March 30 and subsequently updated — applicants are required to submit a request for assistance form, a copy of their passport, and proof of employment such as a contract, Emirates ID, or labor card. Evidence of income disruption, including payslips showing reduced wages, a termination notice, or a visa cancellation document, must also be submitted. Workers who lack complete paperwork may submit a self-declaration, or secure certification from a Filipino community organization as an alternative.
The DMW has assured that all applications will be subject to verification in compliance with Commission on Audit requirements. Officials said applications are expected to be processed within three days of submission.
As of the latest figures, 4,502 OFWs in the Middle East have received the cash assistance, while more than 30,000 have accessed various forms of government services including food, shelter, transport, and medical support. A total of 6,706 Filipinos — comprising 5,023 workers and their dependents — have been repatriated to date.
Cacdac acknowledged the program represents an adjustment from earlier aid levels. “We all know that it is more than one country involved so we adjusted in terms of financial assistance we provide,” he said.
