Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Filipinos in the UAE affected by job loss, salary cuts, or no-work-no-pay arrangements due to the ongoing regional crisis can now officially apply online for the Philippine government’s one-time $200 financial assistance after the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO Dubai) activated the application form on its website. MWO Dubai published the online application link on Monday (April 27), one week after announcing details of the emergency assistance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) impacted by business disruptions linked to the crisis in the Middle East. Update: Registration for Friday (May 1) will be done via bit.ly/Form2-FA. A unique registration link will be published on the MWO Dubai website and social media pages every Tuesday and Friday. According to MWO Dubai, online application forms will open twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 8am on April 28. Each form will accommodate 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. The one-time financial aid amounts to $200 (approximately Dh730) and is part of the support being extended by the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers for land-based OFWs whose employment has been affected. According to MWO Dubai Labor Attache John Rio Bautista, the office is aiming for quick processing of applications once all required documents are submitted correctly. “We have three days to evaluate the application,” Bautista told Expat Media. He advised applicants to avoid submitting excessive paperwork to help speed up the review. “Submit only one clear proof of employment and one proof of work disruption,” Bautista said. Officials also reminded applicants not to visit the MWO office in person since all requests will be processed online through the official portal on mwodubai.org. Approved applicants will receive the financial assistance through money transfer.

Who can apply?

The assistance is open to land-based OFWs currently working in Dubai and the Northern Emirates 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 Ajman, Dubai, 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 if they can provide proof of their actual work location. For OFWs based in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, applications will be handled separately through the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Migrant Workers Office Abu Dhabi.

Requirements for application

Applicants must prepare the following: • Accomplished Request for Assistance (financial assistance) form. Download the form • Copy of passport bio page • Proof of overseas employment such as employment contract, visa, Emirates ID, or labour card They must also submit 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

Applications must be submitted online through the form now available on the official MWO Dubai website at mwodubai.org every Tuesday and Friday. Workers are advised to complete the form carefully and upload only clear and necessary documents to avoid delays in processing. For inquiries, MWO Dubai can be reached through atm.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph.

Guide: 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 through the MWO Dubai website. How many applicants will be accepted daily? The online application form will be available every Tuesday and Friday, with a limit of 820 applications per day. 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. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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