Partnership to Expand Welfare, Repatriation, Reintegration and Livelihood Assistance.
Dubai: Emirates has joined forces with the Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to explore expanded assistance for Filipino workers in the UAE. The proposed areas of cooperation include worker welfare, social protection, repatriation, reintegration and livelihood support.
The airline signed a memorandum of agreement with OWWA on the second day of this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. The partnership comes as the UAE remains one of the key destinations for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
UAE remains a key destination for OFWs
Figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Survey on Overseas Filipinos show that the UAE ranked as the second-largest destination for Filipino workers worldwide, with an estimated 271,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) living and working in the country.
The figures underline the significant presence of the Filipino community in the UAE, with Filipino professionals and workers contributing across a diverse range of industries and sectors.
The partnership between Emirates and OWWA aims to enhance the assistance available to Filipino workers in the UAE while potentially broadening support for overseas Filipino workers across other parts of the Middle East.
From welfare to livelihoods
The agreement outlines several areas where Emirates and OWWA could work together, including worker welfare and social protection, repatriation assistance, and programmes designed to support OFWs as they return home and reintegrate into their communities.
Livelihood development is also a major focus of the collaboration. The two organisations will explore initiatives aimed at helping returning Filipino workers create new sources of income or strengthen existing livelihood opportunities in the Philippines.
The partnership could also extend to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement initiatives, alongside support for OWWA’s outreach programmes throughout the region.
Remittances highlight UAE-Philippines economic links
The significant presence of Filipino workers in the UAE is also evident in the volume of remittances sent from the country to the Philippines.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shows that cash remittances from the UAE reached $750.3 million during the first six months of 2026, up from $719.6 million in the corresponding period of 2025. This represents a year-on-year increase of around 4.3%.
The figures underline the strong financial connection between Filipino workers based in the UAE and their families in the Philippines, with remittances continuing to provide an important source of household income and financial support.
Recognising Filipino workers’ contribution
The partnership also reflects Emirates’ acknowledgement of the important role overseas Filipino workers play in Dubai and across the UAE.
According to Emirates, the collaboration recognises the significant contribution of Filipino workers to the country and comes amid an increased focus on strengthening the welfare and support available to Filipinos working overseas.
The collaboration is also expected to help OWWA broaden its outreach and support activities across the Middle East. Emirates, meanwhile, will contribute its extensive regional network and experience in community engagement to support the partnership’s wider objectives.
