John Rio Bautista, Labor Attache of MWO Dubai (centre) with Philippine Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso (right). MWO DUBAI

Filipinos working in the UAE who have lost their jobs or suffered income cuts due to the ongoing regional crisis will receive a one-time financial assistance of $200 (approximately Dh730), according to the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO Dubai). John Rio Bautista, Labor Attache of MWO Dubai, confirmed to Expat Media that the online application link will be released every Tuesday and Friday starting on April 28, with applications to be processed quickly once submitted. A unique registration link will be published on the MWO Dubai social media accounts and on mwodubai.org before the Tuesday and Friday registrations, with a maximum of 820 applicants per registration day. “We have three days to evaluate the application,” Bautista told Expat Media on Sunday (April 19).  He emphasised that applicants should submit "only one clear proof of employment and one proof of work disruption" to make the application process seamless. The financial aid is part of assistance being extended by the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by disruptions linked to the crisis in the Middle East, which has impacted businesses and employment across sectors.

Who can apply?

The assistance is open to land-based OFWs currently in the UAE whose employment has been 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. Filipinos whose visas were issued in other emirates but are working in these areas may still qualify, provided they can show proof of their actual work location. For those based in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, assistance requests will be handled separately through the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Migrant Workers Office Abu Dhabi (MWO Abu Dhabi).

What are the requirements?

Applicants must submit the following: • Accomplished Request for Assistance form • Copy of passport bio page • Proof of overseas employment (such as employment contract, visa, Emirates ID, or labour card). They must also provide one proof of income loss or work disruption, such as: • Certification from employer or principal • Payslips showing reduced salary • Job termination notice • Visa cancellation (if applicable) • Notarized affidavit or personal statement, supported by certification from MWO or a Filipino community leader. Download the form

How to apply and receive payout?

Applications will be done online through a unique link that will be published on MWO Dubai’s official website mwodubai.org and social media pages. Applications will open every Tuesday and Friday, capped at 820 applications per day. The application link will close at 11:59pm on the same day or once the daily limit is reached, whichever comes first. Officials advised workers not to visit the office in person, as all applications will be processed online. Approved applicants will receive the financial assistance via money transfer.

What workers should do now

Affected OFWs are encouraged to prepare all required documents in advance while waiting for the official announcement on when the application portal will open via mwodubai.org. For inquiries, MWO Dubai can be reached through atm.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph

Explainer: your questions answered

How much financial assistance will I receive? Each qualified OFW will receive a one-time payment of $200 or Dh730 in local currency. How fast will applications be processed? According to officials, applications will be evaluated within three days after submission. 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 will I receive the money? Approved applicants will receive the financial assistance through money transfer via any Al Ansari branch in the UAE. The remittance center will send an SMS notification once the financial assistance is ready for collection. Present your valid Emirates ID or passport to collect the cash. PIA/ICA/Expat Media
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