Filipino workers in the UAE whose jobs have been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East crisis may soon receive a one-time cash grant of USD 200, or its peso equivalent, under a financial assistance program announced by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and operationalized through the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai).
The office issued Advisory No. 13, Series of 2026, on April 18 to lay out preliminary details of the program ahead of the formal opening of applications.
Eligibility is limited to land-based OFWs holding employment visas or Emirates IDs issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain. Workers whose visas were issued outside those emirates but who are currently employed in the Northern Emirates must submit proof of their actual work location to qualify.
Applicants will need to submit a completed Request for Assistance (RFA) form, a copy of their passport bio page, and at least one document establishing their overseas employment — such as a contract, visa, Emirates ID, or labor card. They must also provide evidence of job loss or income disruption, which may take the form of an employer-signed certification, pay slips reflecting salary reductions, a termination notice from an employer or recruitment agency, visa cancellation documents, a notarized affidavit, or a Sariling Salaysay accompanied by a certification from the MWO-Dubai Labor Attaché or the head of an affiliated Filipino community organization. Templates for the RFA form and the Sariling Salaysay will be released in subsequent advisories.
All applications will be processed exclusively through an online portal, which MWO-Dubai said it will open and announce through its website and Facebook page. The office explicitly urged OFWs not to appear at its premises in person. Payment will be made via money transfer.
