The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) continues to support OFWs facing challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. If your employment has suffered because of the regional instability, the government provides a $200 (around PHP 12,000) financial assistance package to help you navigate this difficult time.
According to a recent press briefing, the DMW designed this financial assistance program specifically for workers dealing with sudden job loss, reduced working hours, or salary cuts. The support covers OFWs across 10 Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Already, the agency has delivered financial assistance to more than 4,500 affected individuals.
Funding and Government Commitment
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac shared that the government has the necessary funds ready to deploy.
“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 explained.
He also reassured workers that the distribution process is moving forward steadily. “Lalarga tayo (All systems go) in terms of further distribution of our financial assistance of USD200 per worker affected by the crisis,” he added.
Binuksan na ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ang aplikasyon para sa tulong pinansiyal sa mga apektadong OFWs mula Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
— PTVph (@PTVph) April 18, 2026
A Simplified Way to Claim Financial Assistance
Applying for government help should not add extra stress during a crisis. Because of this, the DMW created a streamlined application process so you can receive your financial assistance faster.
DMW Assistant Secretary Jun Rasul emphasized this goal. “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,” he noted.
Requirements
To process your claim, you just need to submit a few straightforward documents:
- A completed request form
- A copy of your passport
- Proof of your overseas employment, such as a visa, contract, or labor card
- Proof of your income disruption, like a termination notice or reduced pay slips
Flexible Options for Submitting Proof
The agency knows that getting official paperwork from an employer during an emergency is hard. To solve this, they offer a highly flexible alternative for workers who lack standard documentation.
“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,” Rasul stated.
Alternatively, workers can present a certification from a recognized Filipino community organization to prove their hours were cut.
This $200 financial assistance is part of a much broader crisis response package. The DMW also provides repatriation support and comprehensive reintegration programs to ensure returning workers find stability and land back on their feet safely.