Picture for illustrative purposes only. DMW

The first day of online registration for the one-time $200 (around Dh730) financial assistance for Filipinos in the UAE affected by the  Middle East crisis was filled within just 20 minutes on Tuesday (April 28), showing the urgent need for support among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). According to the Migrant Workers Office Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO Dubai), the application portal opened at 8am and was closed by 8:20am after it reached its daily cap of 820 applicants. The aid is intended for land-based OFWs who lost their jobs, suffered salary cuts, were placed on unpaid leave, faced “no work, no pay” arrangements, experienced delayed salaries, or were forced to resign due to disruptions linked to the regional crisis. Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista previously told Expat Media that a unique application link would be released every Tuesday and Friday through the MWO Dubai Facebook page and website starting on April 28. “We have three days to evaluate the application,” Bautista said, urging applicants to submit “only one clear proof of employment and one proof of work disruption” to make the process faster and smoother.

Who applied on Day 1

MWO Dubai said that of the 822 applicants on the first day, 64 percent were female, 36 percent were male, 98 percent were skilled workers and 1.6 percent were domestic workers. A total of 93.6 percent of applicants were based in Dubai or held Dubai-issued employment visas, while 6.4 percent came from other emirates. The biggest reason for requesting assistance was salary reduction, accounting for 41.7 percent of applications. Others cited unpaid leave, termination, unpaid salary, no-work-no-pay arrangements, and forced resignation. Applicants will receive results within three days of submission, or on or before Friday (May 1) at 11:59pm, through email notification, according to MWO Dubai. Approved beneficiaries can claim the cash from any Al Ansari Exchange branch in the UAE by presenting a valid Emirates ID or passport. They will also receive an SMS from Al Ansari once the assistance is ready for collection. The next registration window will open on Friday (May 1) at 8am UAE time and the unique registration link will be published on the MWO Dubai Facebook page.

Guide: How to apply for $200 OFW aid

Who can apply? The assistance is open to land-based OFWs in the UAE whose jobs were affected by the crisis. This includes workers who: • Lost their jobs • Are under no-work-no-pay arrangements • Experienced salary reductions Eligible applicants must hold employment visas issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain. Those with visas issued elsewhere but working in these areas may still qualify with proof of their actual work location. Workers based in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain must apply separately through the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or MWO Abu Dhabi. Requirements Applicants must submit: • Accomplished Request for Assistance form • Copy of passport bio page • Proof of overseas employment (employment contract, visa, Emirates ID, or labour card) They must also provide one proof of work disruption such as: • Employer certification • Payslip showing salary reduction • Termination notice • Visa cancellation • Notarized affidavit or personal statement supported by MWO or Filipino community leader certification. Download the form Can I apply if I only had a salary reduction? Yes. Workers with reduced salaries due to the crisis are eligible. What if I am on no-work-no-pay status? You may apply, as long as you can show proof of work disruption. I work in Dubai but my visa was issued in another emirate. Can I still apply? Yes, but you must provide proof that your actual work location is within MWO Dubai’s jurisdiction. I am based in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain. Where do I apply? You should contact the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or MWO Abu Dhabi through their official email address mwo_abudhabi@dmw.gov.ph Do I need to go to the MWO office to apply? No. All applications will be submitted and processed online. Watch this space for updates on when the application portal will open. How to receive payout Approved applicants will receive the money through Al Ansari Exchange. They must present a valid Emirates ID or passport to claim the cash after receiving the SMS notification. CAM/ICA/Expat Media
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