Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) often face various challenges and difficulties working abroad. To address these issues, the government of Dubai established the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), which was previously known as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). This government-run agency serves as a one-stop-shop to provide comprehensive support services to Filipino workers in need.
According to the most recent estimates, there are around 650,000 Filipinos currently living and working in UAE with around 400,000 based in Dubai. This makes the Filipino community one of the largest expat populations in all of Dubai.
The majority of them work as domestic workers and service staff, but there is also a significant number who work in higher-skilled roles such as nurses, teachers, accountants, and engineers.
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) is a highly valuable resource for these individuals, providing a wide range of services designed to support their needs and protect their rights. These services include legal aid, counseling services, dispute resolution processes, and financial assistance programs. MWO has become an invaluable partner in helping Filipinos live and work with dignity overseas.
What is the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai?
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai is a dedicated police agency that aims to promote the welfare and well-being of OFWs in Dubai. It serves as a central point of contact for Filipinos who need assistance with their employment or personal matters.
MWO Dubai was previously known as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. But since the announcement of the new department called DMW or Department of Migrant Workers, the previous POLO office term is now replaced by MWO.
The mission of MWO Dubai is to provide comprehensive assistance and support services for Filipino workers in need. This includes offering legal aid and advice, counseling, dispute resolution processes, financial assistance programs, and other related services. In addition, MWO also ensures that workers are aware of their rights as well as their obligations under the UAE labor laws.
MWO works closely with various government agencies including the Philippine Consulate in Dubai & Northern Emirates, and the Philippine Embassy in UAE in Abu Dhabi. It also maintains close ties with local employers and unions to ensure that proper employment standards are maintained in line with UAE law.
Services Offered by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) offers various services and programs to assist OFWs in need. These services include:
- OWWA Membership: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is an organization that provides financial and medical benefits to OFWs in Dubai. MWO assists in the registration process for OWWA membership, which is mandatory for all Filipino workers in UAE.
- Overseas Employment Certificate: This OEC is a document issued by the Philippine government that attests to one’s qualifications and suitability for overseas employment. MWO helps OFWs obtain this certificate, which allows them to be formally employed in Dubai.
- Contract Verification: MWO helps OFWs verify the contents of their employment contracts to ensure that they are in line with UAE labor laws.
- Legal Assistance: The MWO provides legal advice and assistance to OFWs who need help with their employment contracts, labor disputes, and other legal matters.
- Medical Support: The MWO provides medical assistance to OFWs who need access to health care services, medication, or hospitalization.
- Financial Aid: The MWO provides financial assistance to OFWs who need help with their livelihood, repatriation, or other financial needs.
- Repatriation Services: The MWO assists OFWs who wish to return to the Philippines by providing transportation, travel assistance, and other support services.
Eligibility Criteria for Availing Services
OFWs can apply for services at the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai by visiting the office in person, registering online, or calling the hotline. Applicants may be required to provide certain documents or identification to avail themselves of the services they need.
All OFWs can avail themselves of the services offered by the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai. However, certain services may require specific eligibility criteria, such as proof of employment or valid documentation.
Benefits
The Migrant Workers Office provides OFWs with much-needed support and assistance, ensuring that their rights are protected, and their well-being is upheld.
By availing themselves of the services offered by the Migrant Workers Office, OFWs can gain access to legal, medical, and financial support as well as repatriation services when needed.
Video: POLO Dubai Renamed as MWO Dubai
Check out this video clip as uploaded by one of our Filipino kabayans where it shows that the logo of POLO Dubai has been replaced and is now called MWO.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services does the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) provide?
The MWO offers various services and programs to assist OFWs in need, such as OWWA Membership, Overseas Employment Certificate, Contract Verification, Legal Assistance, Medical Support, Financial Aid and Repatriation Services.
2. Who is eligible for the services offered by MWO?
All OFWs can avail themselves of the services offered by the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai. However, certain services may require specific eligibility criteria, such as proof of employment or valid documentation.
3. How do I apply for services at MWO?
You can apply for services at the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai by visiting the office in person, registering online for an appointment, or calling the hotline. Applicants may be required to provide certain documents or identification to avail themselves of the services they need.
4. What are some of the benefits of using MWO services?
The Migrant Workers Office provides OFWs with much-needed support and assistance, ensuring that their rights are protected and their well-being is upheld. By availing themselves of the services offered by the Migrant Workers Office, OFWs can gain access to legal, medical, and financial support as well as repatriation services when needed.
Conclusion
The Migrant Workers Office in Dubai, formerly known as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, is a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of OFWs. It provides essential support and assistance to Filipino workers working in Dubai, ensuring that they receive the necessary help they need in times of difficulty.
By providing a comprehensive support system that addresses different needs, the Migrant Workers Office helps strengthen the bonds between the Philippines and Dubai and promotes the well-being of its citizens.
OFWs can apply for services at the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai by visiting the office in person, registering online, or calling the hotline. Applicants may be required to provide certain documents or identification to avail themselves of the services they need.
Contact Information
MWO Office Dubai, UAE
Address: Street No. 2C, Beirut Street, Al Qusais 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 50 652 6626
Email: polodubai@ymail.com
Website: https://www.polodubaiportal.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWODubaiAndNorthernEmirates/
Google Map Location
Please check out the location of Migrant Workers Office in Dubai on the Google Map below: