The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched a financial assistance program to support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This initiative aims to provide relief to workers facing job losses, reduced income, or work disruptions.
During a recent media briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that the DMW is offering USD 200 (approximately PHP 12,000) in cash assistance to OFWs affected by employment disruptions, including job termination, reduced working hours, and salary cuts caused by regional instability.
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Financial Assistance Details
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that the DMW is offering a one-time cash aid of USD200 (approximately PHP12,000) to affected OFWs. This assistance is part of a broader crisis response package that includes repatriation support and reintegration programs.
“Lalarga tayo (All systems go) in terms of further distribution of our financial assistance of USD200 per worker affected by the crisis,” Cacdac said during a media briefing.
To date, 4,502 OFWs from the Middle East have already received this financial aid.
Budget Allocation
The program is funded by an PHP800 million budget approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. According to Cacdac, the budget covers:
- On-site financial assistance
- Aid for repatriated workers
- Airfare and transport support
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to OFWs across 10 Middle Eastern countries:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Israel
- Jordan
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
DMW Assistant Secretary Jun Rasul emphasized that many OFWs in these regions have faced employment challenges, including reduced working hours and salary cuts. For instance, some workers in Dubai duty-free shops now report to work only twice a week due to a decline in tourist arrivals.
“In the case, for example, in Dubai duty-free, we heard that most of the sales ladies there are allowed to report twice a week na lang because of reduction in the number of tourists coming in, so meron pong schedule sila to report, so nababawasan po ang kanilang sweldo (so they have a schedule to report and they get salary cuts). So the reason of that, the department has decided to grant financial assistance to them, the amount of USD200 coming from the action fund,” Rasul said.
Simplified Application Process
To make the process easier, the DMW has streamlined the application procedure. Here’s how to apply:
Requirements
- Request for Assistance Form – Available from the DMW.
- Copy of Passport – Ensure it is valid.
- Proof of Overseas Employment – Examples include:
- Employment contract
- Visa
- Labor card
- Similar documents
- Proof of Income Disruption – Examples include:
- Employer certification of pay cuts
- Reduced pay slips
- Termination notices
- Visa cancellation
Under the guidelines, applicants must submit a request for assistance form, a copy of their passport, and proof of overseas employment, such as a contract, visa, labor card, or analogous document.
They must also present any proof of income disruption, including employer certification of pay cuts, reduced pay slips, termination notices, or visa cancellation.
The DMW also allows self-declaration, enabling workers to attest to job loss or reduced income due to shortened working hours or salary reductions.
“And then to make it easier, we allow ‘sariling salaysay,’ self-declaration on the part of the affected OFW that he has lost his job or has been given pay cuts due to limited working hours, reduced working hours, and so on and so forth,” Rasul said.
Self-Declaration Option
For those unable to provide formal documentation, the DMW allows self-declaration. Workers can attest to their job loss or reduced income due to shortened working hours or salary reductions. Additionally, certifications from Filipino community organizations may also be accepted.
“The department has decided to simplify the procedure for application and make it easier for our affected OFWs to avail of this financial assistance of USD200,” Rasul explained.
Broader Crisis Response
The USD200 cash aid is just one part of the DMW’s comprehensive support for OFWs. As of April 17, 2026:
- 6,605 Filipinos have been repatriated from the Middle East, including 5,023 OFWs and 1,343 dependents.
- 30,587 OFWs have received various government services, such as food, transport, shelter, medical, and financial assistance.
This initiative underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting OFWs during challenging times. For more information, affected workers are encouraged to contact the DMW or visit their nearest office.