The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed the critical role of the AKSYON Fund in protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates, with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Dubai reporting strong progress in addressing legal cases of Filipinos in distress.
Since the DMW assumed responsibility for Assistance to Nationals (ATN) cases in July 2023, MWO-Dubai has handled 606 cases as of June 2025. Of these, 310 have been resolved—89 ending in acquittals, 209 resulting in reduced penalties, and 13 with maximum penalties, nine of which were later pardoned by UAE authorities.
Through the AKSYON Fund, legal representation, financial support, and welfare assistance were extended to OFWs facing criminal, labor, civil, and traffic-related cases. Officials described these outcomes as a clear sign of the government’s compassionate and proactive approach to ensuring no Filipino worker is left without help.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac praised the Dubai team led by Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista, saying: “The results we are seeing in Dubai prove that the AKSYON Fund is a lifeline for our OFWs. I commend the dedication of MWO-Dubai for their swift, compassionate, and effective response to the needs of our kababayans.”
The DMW continues to remind Filipinos abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries and ensure their employment is properly documented. In cases of difficulty, workers are urged to immediately seek assistance from MWO-Dubai or the Philippine Consulate.
