OWWA, Filipino Business Council Partner to Offer Discounts for OFWs in Dubai

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has partnered with the Philippine Business Council–Dubai & Northern Emirates to allow OWWA members to access discounts at Filipino owned and Filipino linked businesses across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Under the agreement, around 160 PBC DNE member establishments will offer discounts ranging from 10 percent to nearly 40 percent to OWWA cardholders, including those using the OWWA e-Card. The partnership forms part of OWWA’s broader effort to turn membership into practical, everyday benefits for overseas Filipino workers.

The agreement was signed by PBC DNE Chairwoman Asiyah Monjardin and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, with officials from OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai present during the event. Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III also attended.

According to OWWA, the partnership is part of the expanding OWWA e Card ecosystem, which now includes more than 200 partner establishments worldwide, with over 20 UAE based companies recently formalizing e Card partnerships. The agency said the goal is to move beyond crisis based assistance by giving OFWs access to regular savings on food, healthcare, training, logistics, retail, and other daily services.

 OWWA noted that the UAE, particularly Dubai, serves as a strategic hub for rolling out this model due to its large Filipino population and strong coordination between the consulate, welfare agencies, and Filipino business groups. Officials said the partnership demonstrates how government and private sector cooperation can make welfare programs more visible and usable in everyday life.

The involvement of PBC DNE allows OWWA to reach a wide network of businesses under a single framework, rather than negotiating individual arrangements with each merchant. Officials also said the setup helps channel spending back into Filipino owned enterprises, creating a circular community benefit.

For OFWs, the program offers immediate cost of living relief, especially for essentials such as meals, remittance related services, medical care, and skills training. However, OWWA reminded members that discounts are tied to active membership and presentation of a valid OWWA card or e Card.

Final Reminder:

Discount availability and rates vary by establishment. OWWA and PBC DNE encourage members to check official channels for the updated list of partner businesses and discount details before visiting.