DUBAI: The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai has warned Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) about a rise in scams linked to repatriation assistance. Authorities say some individuals are pretending to offer help in exchange for money or personal information.
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Fake Help, Real Risk
MWO-Dubai said they received reports of people posing as agents who can “speed up” repatriation. These scammers ask for fees or sensitive details like passport numbers.
Officials stressed one key point:
Legitimate repatriation assistance is free and handled only through official government channels.
How the Scam Works
Most scams happen through social media or private messages. Victims are told they can get faster approval if they pay or share personal data.
Once they comply, they either lose money or have their information misused.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe
To avoid being scammed, OFWs are advised to follow these steps:
- Use only official websites and Facebook pages of DMW and MWO-Dubai
- Do not deal with random agents or unknown accounts
- Never send money for repatriation processing
- Do not share personal or bank details with unverified sources
Official platforms include:
- DMW: dmw.gov.ph
- MWO-Dubai: mwodubai.org
Where to Get Real Help
OFWs who need repatriation assistance should contact MWO-Dubai directly:
Assistance to Nationals (ATN):
- 056-353-5558
- 054-223-0822
- 056-153-3057
- Email: atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph
- Email: repat.mwodubai@gmail.com
OWWA-Dubai:
- 050-558-5536
- Email: dubai@owwa.gov.ph
All applications should go through these official contacts to ensure safety.
Why This Matters Now
With ongoing tensions in the Middle East, more OFWs are considering going home. Scammers take advantage of this urgency.
Falling for these schemes can lead to:
- Loss of money
- Delays in real repatriation
- Risk of identity theft
What You Should Do Now
If you are an OFW in the UAE:
- Double-check any repatriation offer
- Avoid shortcuts that require payment
- Report suspicious messages to MWO-Dubai