OFWs in the UAE to Benefit from Improved Digital Services and Continued Government Support.
Dubai: The Philippines is intensifying efforts to improve access to government services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE by expanding digital platforms and strengthening medical, legal, and financial assistance programmes.
From streamlining airport procedures through the digital OFW Pass to extending financial support to workers facing serious medical conditions, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is broadening its initiatives to better serve Filipinos across the Emirates.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac discussed these initiatives in an exclusive interview with Gulf News on November 7, on the sidelines of the fourth leg of the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo: OFW Serbisyo Caravan” in Dubai.
Cacdac also revealed that the OFW Pass is approaching a significant milestone, with registrations nearing one million. The department is preparing to issue its one-millionth pass through its digital platforms.
He urged Filipino workers to take advantage of the service by accessing the OFW Pass through its online portal or the eGov portal of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Printed OFW Passes No Longer Required
A major improvement to the OFW Pass system is its integration with airline verification platforms, eliminating the need for Filipino workers to carry printed copies of their passes when travelling.
Cacdac said the DMW initially faced challenges when OFWs were required to present printed passes at airport terminals, particularly during check-in procedures and when applying for refunds of applicable airport fees.
To address these concerns, the department worked with airlines to integrate their systems with the OFW Pass platform.
“Airlines are in the OFW Pass system, meaning there is no longer a need for printouts because with a click of a button, the airlines can check with the DMW system whether the passenger is an OFW, without having a physical OFW Pass print out,” Cacdac told.
He disclosed that the arrangement covers UAE-based carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways, enabling them to verify passengers’ OFW status directly through the DMW system.
Digitalisation frees up time for OFW outreach
Beyond simplifying travel-related transactions, the shift to digital services has also transformed how Philippine labour officials engage with Filipino communities overseas.
Cacdac said the new systems have significantly reduced the administrative and paperwork burden on Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), allowing personnel to devote more time to direct community outreach and assistance.
“The good thing about digital, our MWO presence here can now be enhanced in the sense that our people will no longer be working behind desks because the digital systems do that for us already,” Cacdac said.
He added that reduced clerical responsibilities have enabled officials to focus more on connecting with Filipino communities and conducting visits to OFWs in hospitals and prisons.
Such visits are carried out in accordance with UAE laws and protocols, and in coordination with the Philippine ambassador in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine consul general in Dubai.
AKSYON Fund extends assistance to OFWs in need
Another key component of the DMW’s support programme is the AKSYON Fund, which provides legal, medical, and financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers facing challenging circumstances.
According to Cacdac, the department has already provided financial assistance to Filipino workers with serious medical conditions, including those diagnosed with breast cancer.
He explained that some patients had no health insurance coverage, while others had policies that excluded further treatment, such as chemotherapy, leaving them struggling to pay for essential medical care.
The assistance is intended to ease the financial burden on workers who cannot afford the cost of treatment. Cacdac emphasised that the DMW’s commitment to helping beneficiaries extends beyond the initial provision of support.
“We will continue to provide services and it does not end here. We have all their numbers and they can freely get back to us for assistance,” Cacdac said.
Legal clinics and access to medical care
The DMW has also stepped up efforts to provide Filipinos in the UAE with access to legal advice and representation.
Through its legal clinics, OFWs can receive consultations and guidance on various legal concerns. Workers who need to pursue cases before UAE courts or tribunals may also seek assistance from lawyers engaged by the department.
Medical support is another key component of the programme. The DMW helps workers access clinics and healthcare professionals for consultations, routine check-ups, and diagnostic services.
These initiatives are aimed at helping Filipino workers address their legal and medical concerns and obtain the professional assistance they need.
Continued support beyond the Dubai caravan
The initiatives form part of the DMW’s wider commitment to supporting overseas Filipinos through digital services and continued engagement with Filipino communities.
Cacdac said the department intends to make government assistance more accessible and ensure that OFWs who miss the opportunity to avail themselves of services during outreach caravans can still receive support.
He also confirmed that the DMW plans to return to the UAE for the fifth leg of the OFW Serbisyo Caravan in the first quarter of next year.
“Our genuine determination and resolve is here to serve you transparently. For those who haven’t got the chance to avail of government services in caravans, we will continue to come back, first quarter next year for the fifth leg. More than any other OFW destination, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE combined, has the largest OFW Serbisyo Caravan that we have served,” Cacdac said.
