Filipino migrant workers in the UAE whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East crisis can now apply for a one-time cash grant from the Department of Migrant Workers, with the first application window opening today, April 28.
The Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai) released Advisory No. 13-A on April 27, confirming it has received initial funding from the DMW to distribute the assistance to up to 3,271 affected overseas Filipino workers. Each qualified applicant will receive USD 200.00, equivalent to AED 730.00.
Who may apply
To be eligible, an OFW must meet all of the following conditions:
- Currently present in the UAE
- Landbased worker with an employment visa issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain
- Work has been affected by the US-Israel-Iran conflict
Applicants whose visas were issued in other Emirates but who are actually working in the northern Emirates must submit proof of their actual work location to qualify.
The following are not eligible:
- OFWs who previously received financial assistance during repatriation or the crisis period
- OFWs who have already returned to the Philippines — they are advised instead to contact their nearest DMW Regional Office
What to prepare
Four documents are required to complete an application:
- Accomplished Request for Assistance (RFA) Form — available at bit.ly/RFA-Form
- Copy of passport bio page
- At least one proof of overseas employment — any of the following:
- Employment contract
- Visa
- Emirates ID
- Labor card
- Any analogous or similar document
- At least one proof of loss of income, employment, or work disruption — any of the following:
- Duly signed certification from employer or principal
- Pay slips showing salary reduction
- Duly signed notice of termination from the employer, principal, Private Recruitment Agency (PRA), or Foreign Recruitment Agency (FRA)
- Visa cancellation document, if applicable
- Notarized affidavit
- Sariling Salaysay (personal sworn statement), which must be accompanied by a certification from MWO-Dubai’s Labor Attaché or the president of a recognized Filipino community organization — a downloadable template is available at bit.ly/Salaysay-FA
Important: Incomplete submissions will be automatically disapproved.
How to apply
Applications are accepted online only. The MWO-Dubai has explicitly discouraged OFWs from visiting its office in person.
- The online form opens every Tuesday and Friday at 8:00 A.M., starting April 28, 2026
- Each session accommodates approximately 820 applicants
- The link closes automatically at 11:59 P.M. on the same day, or once the slot limit is reached — whichever comes first
- Today’s application link: bit.ly/FA-Form1
- Subsequent form links will be posted on the MWO-Dubai website and Facebook page
When to expect results
Applicants will be notified of the result within three days through the email address registered in the application form. No follow-up is required.
How to collect the assistance
Approved applicants may collect the cash over the counter at any Al Ansari Exchange branch across the UAE — with 286 branches available nationwide. A valid Emirates ID or passport must be presented upon collection. Applicants are also required to upload copies of both documents into the application portal prior to approval.
Contact information
For inquiries, OFWs may reach MWO-Dubai through the following:
- Hotline: +971 56 353 5558
- Hotline: +971 54 223 0822
- Hotline: +971 56 153 3057
- Email: atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph
- Office hotline: 050-6526626
- Office telephone: 04-2207011
