The Philippines has introduced a one-time financial assistance programme, with online applications opening twice a week.
Dubai: Filipino workers in the UAE affected by job losses, reduced working hours, or unpaid leave due to ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran may be eligible for a one-time financial assistance payment of $200 (around Dh730).
The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched the support programme to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East whose employment and income have been directly impacted by the situation.
Who can benefit from the $200 aid
The financial assistance is intended for land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) currently in the UAE who hold employment visas or Emirates IDs issued in Dubai or the Northern Emirates.
Eligible workers include those based in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain whose employment has been disrupted due to the crisis.
Workers whose visas were issued in other emirates but who are currently employed in the Northern Emirates may also qualify, provided they can present proof of their actual workplace location.
“Those who have already received financial assistance during repatriation or during the crisis period are no longer eligible,” the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (MWO Dubai) said in an advisory.
How to apply for assistance
Applications must be submitted strictly online and will open twice a week — every Tuesday and Friday at 8am.
Each application window will accept around 820 applicants and will close at 11:59pm on the same day, or earlier if the daily limit is reached.
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Dubai has reiterated that applicants should not visit the office, as all applications will be processed online only. Links to the application forms will be posted on the official MWO Dubai website and Facebook page.
Strong initial response
The first application window opened on April 28 and received 822 submissions. According to MWO Dubai data, 64 per cent of applicants were female, while 36 per cent were male.
Skilled workers accounted for 98.4 per cent of applications, while domestic workers made up 1.6 per cent. Meanwhile, 93.6 per cent of applicants were based in Dubai, with the remaining 6.4 per cent coming from other emirates.
Applicants are expected to receive the outcome of their application within three days of submission through their registered email address. MWO Dubai has emphasised that there is no need for follow-up inquiries.
Documents required
Applicants must complete a request for assistance form and submit supporting documents, including a copy of their passport bio page and proof of overseas employment such as an employment contract, visa, Emirates ID, or labour card.
They must also provide proof of income loss, job loss, or work disruption. This may include employer certification, payslips showing reduced salary, termination notices, visa cancellation documents, or a notarised affidavit or personal statement supported by certification from the labour attaché of MWO Dubai or the president of Filipino community organisations.
How payment will be released
Approved applicants will receive the financial assistance through over-the-counter payout at Al Ansari Exchange remittance centres across the UAE.
Passport and Emirates ID copies must be uploaded during the application process, as these will be required for identity verification during collection.
