The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is stepping up to help OFWs affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. If your work has been disrupted by the regional instability, you might be eligible for a $200 (around PHP 12,000) cash grant.
The DMW rolled out this financial support specifically for workers dealing with job loss, reduced working hours, or salary cuts. The program covers OFWs across 10 Middle Eastern countries affected such as Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. So far, the agency has already provided this financial assistance to more than 4,500 workers.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that the government has the budget ready to support those in need.
“Of this amount of PHP800 million, there will be allocations for financial assistance on-site, financial assistance here in our country for those who have returned, and there will be allocation also for transport, for airfare, air transport. In a nutshell, our financial assistance guidelines will pertain to those whose work has been affected by the crisis,” Cacdac shared.
He assured the public that the rollout is moving quickly, adding, “Lalarga tayo (All systems go) in terms of further distribution of our financial assistance of USD200 per worker affected by the crisis.”
How to Apply for the Cash Aid
The DMW wants to make getting this help as easy as possible. You do not have to jump through complex hoops to get the support you need.
DMW Assistant Secretary Jun Rasul stated, “The department has decided to simplify the procedure for application and make it easier for our affected OFWs to avail of this financial assistance of USD200.”
To apply, you only need to provide a few basic documents:
- A completed request for assistance form
- A copy of your passport
- Proof of your overseas employment (such as your contract, visa, or labor card)
- Proof of your income disruption (like a notice of termination or reduced pay slips)
The agency understands that getting official documents from an employer during a crisis can be difficult. Because of this, they offer a much simpler alternative.
“And then to make it easier, we allow ‘sariling salaysay,’ self-declaration on the part of the affected OFW that he has lost his job or has been given pay cuts due to limited working hours, reduced working hours, and so on and so forth,” explained Rasul.
If you prefer, the DMW will also accept a certification from recognized Filipino community organizations to prove your work hours were reduced.
This $200 cash aid serves as just one part of a broader crisis response package. The government continues to provide on-site help, funding for flights home, and reintegration programs to ensure our returning workers land back on their feet safely.