The Philippine labor office in Dubai has released the second online application form for its one-time AED 730 financial assistance program for overseas Filipino workers affected by the Middle East crisis. The link for Form 2 is now live at bit.ly/Form2-FA, with 800 to 1,000 slots available starting 8:00 A.M. today, May 1.
The release comes after Form 1 closed in just 20 minutes on Tuesday, April 28, after receiving 822 applications. Data from that first session showed that 64% of applicants were female and 36% were male, with 98.4% classified as skilled workers. Salary reduction was the most commonly cited reason for applying, accounting for 41.7% of submissions, while the rest cited unpaid leave, termination, no work-no pay arrangements, unpaid salaries, and forced resignation.
Timeline for Form 2
- Opening: May 1, 2026, 8:00 A.M.
- Closing: May 1, 2026, 11:59 P.M., or earlier once slots are filled
- Evaluation: May 2–3, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday)
- Release of results: May 4, 2026, by 11:59 P.M.
Who may apply
To qualify, an OFW must be currently present in the UAE as a landbased worker holding an employment visa issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain, and whose work has been disrupted by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Those whose visas were issued in other Emirates but who are actually working in the northern Emirates must provide proof of their actual work location.
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 to contact their nearest DMW Regional Office instead
What to prepare
Four documents are required:
- 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), 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 reminders
- Submit only one application. Multiple submissions will result in automatic disapproval.
- Ensure your passport and/or Emirates ID are valid before applying, as these will be required at the Al Ansari remittance center upon collection of the approved assistance.
- All information submitted in the application form and in any sworn statement is subject to validation with the employer. Fraudulent documents or false declarations carry penalties under both UAE and Philippine law.
- Applications are first-come, first-served and are subject to the availability of funds from the DMW.
How to apply
The form is available online only — no walk-in applications will be entertained. The portal will close automatically at 11:59 P.M. today or once the slot limit is reached, whichever comes first. Given that Form 1 filled up in just 20 minutes, OFWs are strongly advised to log on as early as possible.
What to expect after applying
Results will be released on May 4, 2026, by 11:59 P.M., through the email address registered in the application form. No follow-up is necessary. Those whose applications are approved will receive an SMS notification from Al Ansari Exchange once the cash grant is ready for collection at any of its 286 branches across the UAE. A valid Emirates ID or passport must be presented upon payout.
For inquiries, OFWs may contact 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
