The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has released a detailed information guide — shared via its YouTube channel — walking Overseas Filipino Workers through the Department of Migrant Workers’ one-time financial assistance program for those whose employment has been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Here is everything OFWs in Dubai and the Northern Emirates need to know.
What is the program for?
The program aims to provide a one-time financial grant of USD 200 — or its equivalent in local currency — to land-based OFWs currently in Dubai and the Northern Emirates whose employment has been affected by the crisis stemming from the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, an OFW must meet two conditions: they must be a land-based worker with an employment visa issued in Dubai or any of the Northern Emirates — specifically Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Umm Al Quwain — and their employment must have been disrupted by the Middle East crisis.
OFWs whose visas were issued in other emirates but who are actually working in Dubai or the Northern Emirates may still be considered, provided they can submit proof of their actual work location.
Workers who have already returned to the Philippines are not covered under this MWO-Dubai program and are advised to instead contact the nearest DMW Regional Office in the Philippines.
What counts as work disruption?
The MWO-Dubai guide specifies that eligible workers are those who have temporarily or permanently lost income or employment as a result of the conflict, including those who experienced: company closure, suspension of business operations, reduction of working days or hours, airport or border closures, repatriation, forced evacuation, movement restrictions, or similar circumstances.
What are the requirements?
Applicants must submit four documents:
First, an accomplished Request for Assistance (RFA) form, which can be downloaded from the online application form once it is posted by MWO-Dubai. The form requires personal information and a detailed account of the work disruption experienced.
Second, a copy of the applicant’s passport bio page.
Third, proof of overseas employment — only one of the following is needed: an employment contract, visa or Emirates ID, labour card, or any similar document.
Fourth, proof of work disruption — again, only one document is required. Accepted documents include a duly signed certification from the employer, payslips showing reduced income, a duly signed notice of termination, visa cancellation documents, a notarised affidavit, or a self-declaration (Sariling Salaysay) supported by a certification from the Labor Attaché or the president of a Filipino community organisation (FilCom).
The MWO-Dubai guide emphasizes that submitting incomplete documents or a false declaration will result in the automatic disapproval of the application. All submitted documents and declarations may be verified by MWO-Dubai directly with the applicant’s employer.
How to apply
The entire application process is online. MWO-Dubai will release the online application forms on its official website and Facebook page — OFWs are advised to wait for that announcement before attempting to apply. Walk-in applications at the MWO-Dubai office will not be accepted, as only online submissions will be processed and evaluated.
Each OFW may apply only once. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funds from the DMW.
When and how will applicants receive the results?
Results will be sent to the email address registered in the online application form within three working days of submission. Applicants do not need to follow up — notifications will be sent automatically upon a decision.
How will approved applicants receive the money?
If the application is approved, the USD 200 financial assistance will be released through money remittance centers in the UAE designated by MWO-Dubai. Beneficiaries will only need to present a valid Emirates ID or passport to claim the funds.
The MWO-Dubai advisory reminds OFWs that this is a one-time assistance program. Anyone found to have received the financial assistance more than once will be required to return the excess amount to MWO-Dubai.
Who to contact
For inquiries related to the financial assistance, OFWs may reach the MWO-Dubai Assistance to Nationals unit through the following:
- Hotline: +971 56 353 5558
- Hotline: +971 54 223 0822
- Hotline: +971 56 153 3057
- Email: atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph
OFWs are reminded that applications will only be accepted through the official online application forms once posted by MWO-Dubai. No submissions will be entertained through other channels.
