The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai has shared new details on how you can claim the $200 financial aid from DMW. An advisory from the office posted on April 18, 2026 mentions that if the ongoing Middle East crisis has caused you to lose your job, face salary cuts, or experience work disruptions, you might qualify for this one-time cash support.
First, officials strongly advise against visiting the MWO-Dubai office in person. Because they expect many applications, the office will process everything online. Approved workers will receive their money, which equals roughly 730 AED, through a direct money transfer.
Please see the full advisory below:
Consulate General of the Philippines
MIGRANT WORKERS OFFICE
Dubai & Northern Emirates, United Arab EmiratesMWO-DUBAI ADVISORY NO. 13, SERIES OF 2026
INITIAL INFORMATION ON THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO OFWS AFFECTED BY THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Following the announcement of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on the grant of Financial Assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai) hereby issues the following preliminary information on the same:
WHAT IS THE DMW FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: This is a one-time financial assistance of USD 200.00, or its equivalent in local currency, to affected landbased OFWs currently in the UAE with employment visa/ Emirates ID issued in Dubai and Northern Emirates. WHO MAY AVAIL: Landbased OFWs with employment visa issued in Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain who are currently in the UAE and whose work have been affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East may apply for financial assistance. Applicants whose visas were issued in other Emirates but who are working in the northern Emirates must provide proof of their actual work location to qualify. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Accomplished Request for Assistance (RFA) Form (template/link will be provided in succeeding advisory/ies);
2. Copy of Passport bio page;
3. Any or one of the following proof of overseas employment (example: employment contract, visa, Emirates ID, labor card, or analogous/similar document); and
4. Any or one of the following proof of loss of income, employment, or work disruption:
a. Duly signed certification from employer/principal; or
b. Pay slips (showing reduction in salaries received); or
c. Duly signed notice of termination of employment from the employer, principal, or Private Recruitment Agency (PRA)/ Foreign Recruitment Agency (FRA); or
d. Visa cancellation, if applicable;
e. Notarized Affidavit; or
f. Sariling Salaysay (which will be accompanied by a certification from the Labor Attache of MWO-Dubai or the President of the Filipino Community/ Filipino organization to which the OFW is affiliated (template/link will be provided in succeeding advisory/ies).HOW TO AVAIL & PAY-OUT MODE: Apply through an Online Application Form which will be opened periodically by MWO-Dubai and posted on its website and Facebook Page. To efficiently manage applications, OFWs are strongly advised not to visit MWO-Dubai in person. All applications will be received and processed ONLINE ONLY. Pay-out of will be made via money transfer. OFWs whose employment has been affected by the crisis are encouraged to prepare the required documents and await further announcements from MWO-Dubai regarding the application process and the distribution of financial assistance.
For the public’s information and guidance.
(ORIGINAL SIGNED)
ATTY. JOHN RIO A. BAUTISTA
Labor Attache18 April 2026
Who Qualifies for the Cash Aid?
To claim this benefit, you must meet a few specific conditions:
- You are a land-based OFW: You must be currently staying inside the UAE.
- You hold a valid visa in specific areas: Your employment visa or Emirates ID must be from Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al Quwain. If your visa is from Abu Dhabi but you physically work in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, you can still apply. You just need to show proof of your actual work location.
- Your work was disrupted: You must show that the crisis directly impacted your job or reduced your income.
What Documents Do You Need?
We recommend taking clear photos or scanning your documents now so you are prepared. You will need four main items:
- Request for Assistance (RFA) Form: MWO-Dubai will provide the official link to this form soon.
- Basic Identification: A clear copy of your Philippine Passport bio page.
- Proof of Employment: Just one document showing you legally work in the UAE. This can be your employment contract, UAE visa, Emirates ID, or labor card.
- Proof of Income Loss: You need one document to show how your job or salary suffered. You can use a termination notice, employer certification, reduced pay slips, or a visa cancellation document. You can also write a personal statement (Sariling Salaysay), provided it comes with a certification from an MWO-Dubai official or a recognized Filipino community leader.
How to Apply
The application process is entirely digital, which saves you the time and cost of traveling to an office. Start by gathering your passport, ID, and proof of income loss today. Save them as PDF or image files on your phone.
Make it a habit to check the official MWO-Dubai Facebook page or website. They will soon post the official link to the online application form. Once the link goes live, you can simply fill out your details, upload your prepared documents, and wait for your approval.