The Department of Migrant Workers has ramped up its crisis response as it rolls out cash assistance to overseas Filipino workers affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with distribution now underway across multiple countries and for returning workers in the Philippines.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said each affected worker is eligible to receive USD200, or about PHP12,000, for job loss, reduced working hours, or salary cuts linked to the crisis. The agency secured a PHP800 million budget replenishment approved by President Bongbong Marcos to fund the program, including allocations for on-site aid, support for returnees, and transport costs such as airfare. “Lalarga tayo in terms of further distribution of our financial assistance of USD200 per worker affected by the crisis,” Cacdac said.
As of the latest update, 4,502 OFWs have received the cash assistance. The program covers Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. DMW Assistant Secretary Jun Rasul said workers in these areas have faced termination, reduced income, and disrupted work schedules.
The agency simplified the application process to speed up access to aid. Applicants must submit a request form, passport copy, proof of employment, and proof of income disruption. Self-declaration is allowed for those unable to present formal documents. “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,” Rasul said.
The cash aid is part of a wider response that includes repatriation and reintegration support. The DMW reported that 6,605 Filipinos have been repatriated so far, including 5,023 OFWs and 1,343 dependents. A total of 30,587 OFWs have also received assistance such as food, shelter, medical aid, and transport services.
