The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai recently announced the provisions of DMW’s financial assistance program for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) impacted by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. If you experienced a job loss, salary reduction, or work disruption, you might be eligible to receive a one-time cash grant from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
OFWs are advised NOT to visit the MWO-Dubai office in Al Qusais. As this cash aid is anticipated to have a high volume of requests, all applications will be received and processed ONLINE ONLY. Pay-out of will be made via money transfer.
Here is everything you need to know about the $200 financial assistance, who qualifies, and exactly how you can claim it without leaving your home.
Contents
What is the DMW Financial Assistance?
The DMW financial assistance is a one-time cash grant provided to affected land-based OFWs currently staying in the United Arab Emirates.
Approved applicants will receive USD 200.00 (or its equivalent in UAE Dirhams, which is roughly AED 730 depending on the current exchange rate). The government created this fund to help Filipinos manage the sudden financial burdens caused by the recent Middle East crisis.
Who Qualifies for the Cash Aid?
You must meet specific criteria to claim this benefit. MWO-Dubai has set clear guidelines on who can apply. You are eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You are a land-based OFW: This program specifically targets land-based workers currently inside the UAE.
- You hold a valid visa in specific emirates: Your employment visa or Emirates ID must be issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain.
- Your work was disrupted: You must prove that the ongoing Middle East crisis directly affected your employment or income.
What if my visa is from Abu Dhabi but I work in Dubai?
If your visa was issued in an emirate outside of MWO-Dubai’s jurisdiction (like Abu Dhabi), but you physically work in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, you can still apply. However, you must submit additional proof showing your actual, physical work location.
Exactly What Documents Do You Need?
To ensure a smooth application, gather your documents before the online portal opens. MWO-Dubai requires four main types of documents. We recommend scanning these or taking clear, well-lit photos with your smartphone.
You will need to fill out a specific Request for Assistance form. MWO-Dubai will release the official template and link for this form in their upcoming advisories. Keep an eye on their official channels for this document.
2. Basic Identification
You must provide a clear copy of your Philippine Passport bio page (the page with your photo and personal details).
3. Proof of Overseas Employment
You need to prove that you are legally working in the UAE. You only need to submit one of the following documents:
- Employment contract
- UAE Visa
- Emirates ID
- Labor card
- Any similar official document showing your employment status
4. Proof of Work Disruption or Income Loss
You must prove that the crisis negatively affected your job or salary. You need to submit one of the following:
- A signed certification from your employer or principal.
- Recent pay slips that clearly show a reduction in your received salary.
- A signed notice of termination from your employer, principal, or recruitment agency (PRA/FRA).
- Your visa cancellation document (if applicable).
- A notarized affidavit explaining your situation.
- A Sariling Salaysay (personal written statement). If you choose this option, it must come with a certification from the MWO-Dubai Labor Attaché or the President of your affiliated Filipino Community organization. MWO-Dubai will provide a template for this soon.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply
MWO-Dubai designed the application process to be fully digital. This saves you time, money, and transportation effort.
- Prepare your documents now: Do not wait for the application link to open. Gather your passport, Emirates ID, and proof of income loss today. Save them as PDF or JPEG files on your phone or computer.
- Wait for the official link: MWO-Dubai will periodically open an Online Application Form. They will post the link on their official website (mwodubai.org) and their official Facebook page.
- Submit online: Fill out the online form and upload your required documents.
- Receive your payout: Once the office approves your application, you will receive the financial assistance via money transfer.
A Strict Warning: Do Not Visit the MWO Office
To manage the high volume of applications efficiently, MWO-Dubai explicitly instructs OFWs not to visit their office in person for this specific financial aid.
The office will strictly receive and process all applications online. Walk-in applicants looking to apply for the $200 assistance will be turned away. Save your time and taxi fare by doing everything through your phone or computer.
Important Next Steps for OFWs
Right now, the most crucial step you can take is preparation. Request necessary letters from your HR department, find your employment contracts, and make sure your passport copies are clear and readable.
Make it a daily habit to check the official MWO-Dubai Facebook page. They will release the application links, form templates, and further instructions there soon. By having your documents ready now, you can submit your application the moment the online portal goes live.
Below is the said advisory from MWO-Dubai about this cash aid:
Consulate General of the Philippines
MIGRANT WORKERS OFFICE
Dubai & Northern Emirates, United Arab EmiratesMWO-DUBAI ADVISORY NO. 13, SERIES OF 2026
INITIAL INFORMATION ON THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO OFWS AFFECTED BY THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Following the announcement of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on the grant of Financial Assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai) hereby issues the following preliminary information on the same:
WHAT IS THE DMW FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
This is a one-time financial assistance of USD 200.00, or its equivalent in local currency, to affected landbased OFWs currently in the UAE with employment visa/ Emirates ID issued in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
WHO MAY AVAIL:
Landbased OFWs with employment visa issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain who are currently in the UAE and whose work have been affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East may apply for financial assistance. Applicants whose visas were issued in other Emirates but who are working in the northern Emirates must provide proof of their actual work location to qualify.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Accomplished Request for Assistance (RFA) Form (template/link will be provided in succeeding advisory/ies);
2. Copy of Passport bio page;
3. Any or one of the following proof of overseas employment (example: employment contract, visa, Emirates ID, labor card, or analogous/similar document); and
4. Any or one of the following proof of loss of income, employment, or work disruption:
a. Duly signed certification from employer/principal; or
b. Pay slips (showing reduction in salaries received); or
c. Duly signed notice of termination of employment from the employer, principal, or Private Recruitment Agency (PRA)/ Foreign Recruitment Agency (FRA); or
d. Visa cancellation, if applicable;
e. Notarized Affidavit; or
f. Sariling Salaysay (which will be accompanied by a certification from the Labor Attache of MWO-Dubai or the President of the Filipino Community/ Filipino organization to which the OFW is affiliated (template/link will be provided in succeeding advisory/ies).HOW TO AVAIL & PAY-OUT MODE:
Apply through an Online Application Form which will be opened periodically by MWO-Dubai and posted on its website and Facebook Page. To efficiently manage applications, OFWs are strongly advised not to visit MWO-Dubai in person. All applications will be received and processed ONLINE ONLY. Pay-out of will be made via money transfer.
OFWs whose employment has been affected by the crisis are encouraged to prepare the required documents and await further announcements from MWO-Dubai regarding the application process and the distribution of financial assistance.
For the public’s information and guidance.
(ORIGINAL SIGNED)
ATTY. JOHN RIO A. BAUTISTA
Labor Attache18 April 2026
Tel. No.: 04-2207011 Hotline No.: 050-6526626
P.O. Box 4960 Dubai U. A. E.
