The Department of Migrant Workers has confirmed that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has cost a significant number of Filipino workers their jobs, with some facing permanent displacement and others experiencing work stoppages of an undetermined duration.
DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. disclosed the situation during a press briefing on Friday, April 17, noting the varied impact on overseas Filipino workers depending on their circumstances and location.
To access financial assistance worth $200 — equivalent to approximately ₱12,100 — affected OFWs are required to submit a request for assistance form along with their passport copy, proof of overseas employment such as a contract, visa, or labor card, and documentation showing job loss or work disruption. Acceptable proof of the latter includes an employer certification, payslip, notice of termination, or visa cancellation where applicable. OFWs may also submit a self-declaration or a certification from a Filipino community organization.
The agency has drawn the cash aid from its AKSYON Fund and streamlined the application requirements to make the process more accessible for workers in distress.
Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac separately reported that repatriations have reached a cumulative total of 6,706 individuals. Of that figure, 5,023 are OFWs, 1,343 are dependents, and 340 are tourists and other overseas Filipinos.
Dubai accounts for the highest number of returnees, followed by arrivals from Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Riyadh, Al Khobar, Israel, Jeddah, and Oman.
Additional repatriations from the Middle East are expected to continue into the coming days, with more OFWs scheduled to arrive both tomorrow and next week.
