Latest news with #MWO-Dubai
Filipino Times
18-05-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
MWO-Dubai urges Al Barsha 1 fire victims to register for next batch of aid despite temporary suspension
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai has announced that emergency assistance for Filipinos affected by the fire in Al Barsha 1 will be temporarily suspended while the office replenishes its Standby AKSYON Funds. However, the office assures the public that support will continue through the next batch of aid once more resources are secured. 'In the interest of service, MWO-Dubai informs the public that the provision of emergency assistance for the affected Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) during the fire in Al Barsha 1 last 13 May 2025 will be temporarily suspended effective 17 May 2025 until further notice, pending replenishment of Standby AKSYON Funds,' MWO-Dubai said. To date, MWO-Dubai has provided financial help to 198 individuals, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has extended aid to 147 more. MWO-Dubai encourages those who have not yet received support to fill out the new registration form provided. This will ensure they are considered for the next round of assistance. However, individuals who are not victims of the fire or who have already received help should not fill out the form. 'Please refrain from filling out the form if you are not a victim of the Al Barsha fire or if you have already received financial assistance from MWO-Dubai. All submissions will undergo strict evaluation and verification to ensure appropriate distribution of aid,' MWO-Dubai reminds the public. MWO-Dubai also strongly advises against spreading false information and urges the public to rely only on official announcements. 'MWO-Dubai strongly urges everyone not to spread misinformation or encourage mass gatherings in Al Barsha 1, as this is a violation of UAE laws,' it added.
Filipino Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
New era for OFW services: Faster, easier, and more digital
The long wait is finally over! Government services for Filipinos abroad are now becoming faster, easier, and more digital than ever before. Thanks to reforms driven by actual OFW concerns, the old hassle of long lines, appointment systems, and paperwork is slowly being left behind. Whether it's voting, verifying contracts, or securing civil documents, big improvements are now in place. These are more than just upgrades—they're life-changing shifts for the millions of Filipinos working overseas. Let's break down how the digital era is reshaping the OFW experience—one click at a time. Bumoto na online For the longest time, voting while overseas felt like a luxury instead of a right. Many OFWs either couldn't make it to their consulate or had no time off from work to participate. But that's all changing, thanks to the launch of online voting. In 2025, OFWs in 77 countries can now vote digitally. No queues. No hassle. No missed chances. This update empowers Filipinos abroad to join the democratic process without sacrificing time, energy, or income. Several netizens welcomed the move. 'Done online voting,' one shared. 'This program is so useful to those Filipinos like us who are so far from the Philippine Embassy. I don't wanna waste my right to vote.' Another added, 'Vote cast! May God bless all leaders of the Philippines in serving every Filipino with honor and heart.' Having the power to vote is great, but if basic services are still slow and stressful, it's not enough. Thankfully, the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai) just put contract verification on the fast track. The dreaded appointment system? It's officially gone. Senatorial candidate and former DILG secretary Benhur Abalos expressed his gratitude to MWO-Dubai for their swift response following his online consultation with OFWs last April. During the session, OFWs from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America raised concerns about the slow and appointment-heavy process for securing OECs and contract verification. On May 1, the MWO in Dubai has taken out the appointment system in contract verification process and increased the online slots to 800. 'Ngayon po ay binabati ko ang Department of Migrant Workers sa pangunguna ni Secretary Hans Cacdac sa kanilang ginagawang hakbang at reporma para mapabilis ang ating proseso. Ako po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa kanilang pagtugon,' Abalos stated. Abalos also promised OFWs that he will do everything he can to further speed up the process if he gets elected as Senator. ''Pag ganyan ang batas na gagawin mo, Benhur, magkakasundo tayo [d'yan],' one netizen commented. Docs, done, delivered! Having your contract verified is one thing. Having your documents authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is another story. Before, Filipinos had to go through a two-step hassle: first request their PSA documents, then submit them to the DFA office for Apostille authentication—often with additional requirements to present, adding even more stress to the process. But now, things just got way easier. According to a new DFA advisory, OFWs can request Apostille services for PSA-issued documents—like Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Advisory on Marriage, and Certificates of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR)—completely online. No more lining up, no more paperwork, no need to visit the DFA. It's a big win for convenience, time, and peace of mind. Serbisyo with a heart For many OFWs, these changes—online voting, faster contract verification, and PSA documents now automatically DFA-apostilled—are more than just improvements in process. They're a step towards making life abroad a little easier, with less stress and more convenience. The hope is that this progress will continue to make life easier, happier, and more fulfilling for all Filipinos abroad. These changes will offer a better, brighter future, not only for the OFWs of today but for future generations as well.
Filipino Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Special MWO-Dubai service set on May 31 for teachers, assistants, school staff
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai will hold a one-day special service on May 31, 2025, for Filipinos working in schools and related educational services across Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The initiative is aimed at Filipino teachers, assistants, bus supervisors, cleaners, messengers, babysitters, and nannies employed in educational institutions. It is scheduled ahead of the UAE's school break between July and August. MWO-Dubai said it expects to serve 300 clients during the special service, which will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Only those with confirmed online appointments will be accommodated. Services to be provided include contract verification, OWWA membership and renewal, as well as registration assistance for SSS and Pag-IBIG. Workers may also seek help through the Assistance to Nationals desk. Workers whose visa or Emirates ID is not directly sponsored by the school must present proof of employment and job location, such as a company ID or employment certificate. This also applies to those whose visas were issued in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain. Appointments can be booked online through this link: Full requirements are listed on the MWO-Dubai website:
Filipino Times
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
PH Embassy, Consulate, and MWO in UAE announce holiday closures in April
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General, and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai have announced their closure in observance of upcoming Philippine holidays this April. In separate statements, the Philippine missions said they will close on April 9, 2025, in observance of the Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan), and on April 17 and 18, 2025, for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively. During this period, the online voting kiosk for eligible voters will remain operational. For immediate concerns during the said dates, the public can reach out to the Embassy in Abu Dhabi via email at [email protected] or by SMS, call, or WhatsApp at the following numbers: Assistance-to-Nationals: +971 504438003 Consular and other concerns: +971 508137836 In Dubai, individuals may reach out for assistance through the following contacts: For consular matters: +971 4 220 7100 For Assistance-to-Nationals: +971 56 501 5756 For contract verification or assistance to OFWs at MWO-Dubai: +971 50 652 6626 or +971 56 353 5558 For workers impacted by the holiday closures, the MWO-Dubai has set specific schedules for contract verification. Workers with confirmed flights on April 9 and 10, 2025, should visit the MWO-Dubai on April 7 and 8, 2025, between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Those with confirmed flights between April 17 and 21, 2025, are advised to visit from April 14 to 16, 2025, during the same hours. Workers unable to have their documents verified prior to their flights are allowed to have an authorized representative visit the MWO-Dubai five days before their flight back to the UAE or three days before their OEC appointment in the Philippines.
Filipino Times
21-02-2025
- Filipino Times
MWO-Dubai announces service hours during Ramadan
The Migrant Workers Office – Dubai and Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai) has announced its adjusted service hours for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. From Monday to Thursday, the office will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with entry cut-off at 11:30 a.m. On Fridays, MWO will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with entry cut-off at 11:00 a.m. Filipinos in need of MWO services are advised to plan their visits accordingly. The office also advised not queuing or lining up in the early hours since everyone who arrives on time will be accommodated, as long as their documents match the requirements. 'The service hours will apply to MWO Services, such as contract verification, job order and accreditation, Tadbeer processing, assistance to nationals, OWWA membership/renewal, SSS membership, and Pag-IBIG Fund Services,' the MWO wrote in their advisory. After the Eid Al Fitr, their regular hours will resume.
