Dozens of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to widespread flight disruptions have received financial assistance from the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai).
The aid was distributed on March 8 through the Department of Migrant Workers’ AKSYON Fund, as Philippine officials expanded on-the-ground support for Filipinos affected by the ongoing travel disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
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Multiple Groups of OFWs Assisted
According to the Migrant Workers Office, several batches of stranded workers received assistance while waiting for new flight arrangements at Dubai airports.
Among those assisted were:
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Three Manila-bound OFWs who received financial aid while waiting at the airport for rescheduled flights.
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Four stranded OFWs who expressed gratitude after receiving emergency assistance while awaiting their departure.
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Three workers bound for Saudi Arabia whose travel plans were disrupted by flight cancellations.
Another group of Bahrain-bound OFWs stranded in Dubai was also given financial aid. The workers were assisted by MWO-Dubai Assistant Labor Attaché Jeane R. Mendoza and OWWA Welfare Officer Esperanza C. Cobarrubias.
Filipino workers scheduled to travel to Kuwait and Bahrain were likewise provided financial support to help cover essential expenses such as food, transportation, and other immediate needs while waiting for their flights.
Seafarers Among the Most Affected
Filipino seafarers were among those heavily impacted by the disruptions.
The Migrant Workers Office reported that seven seafarers stranded due to delayed travel received financial assistance while staying in a hotel arranged during the disruption.
In addition, 28 more seafarers were provided financial support to cover basic necessities as they waited for onward travel arrangements.
MWO-Dubai personnel have also been conducting regular airport visits to monitor Filipino passengers, assess their welfare, and identify workers who may need assistance.
What the AKSYON Fund Is Used For
The financial aid provided to stranded workers came from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, which stands for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan.
The fund is used to provide immediate emergency assistance to overseas Filipino workers facing unexpected difficulties abroad.
It may cover:
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Emergency cash assistance
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Food and temporary living expenses
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Travel and repatriation support
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Medical aid and hospitalization
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Legal assistance when needed
The program is funded through Philippine government allocations under the Department of Migrant Workers and is administered through Migrant Workers Offices in Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide.
Regional Conflict Continues to Disrupt Flights
The assistance comes as ongoing regional tensions have triggered repeated airport suspensions and widespread flight cancellations across parts of the Middle East.
Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting the UAE in retaliation for a joint US-Israel attack on Iran that began on February 28. UAE authorities reported intercepting all 16 ballistic missiles fired at the country, although four drones struck UAE territory.
Since the conflict began, four people have been killed and 112 injured in the UAE, according to local authorities.
While airlines have started resuming limited services, travel disruptions across the region remain significant.
Continued Government Coordination
The Philippine government has maintained close coordination with UAE authorities throughout the crisis.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express solidarity with the UAE and support for affected residents.
Officials said the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai will continue monitoring the situation and providing assistance to OFWs affected by the ongoing travel disruptions.
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