Latest news with #MigrantWorkersOffice
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Filipinos in UAE: Contract verification for OFWs to become more efficient from May 1
Filipino residents in Dubai and the northern emirates can now benefit from a more efficient contract verification process, as the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) is set to roll out a streamlined system starting May 1, 2025. Under Advisory No. 07, Series of 2025, the new guidelines reduce verification to two main methods and expand online services to better serve Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the mentioned areas. 1. Online submission OFWs may submit their documents online through the online submission system for contract verification. A new online submission form opens every Monday at 8am with 800 slots. The form closes once all slots are filled or on Wednesday at 11:59pm, whichever comes first. The new submission link is posted on our website and Facebook page at 8am every Monday. Process cycle time (PCT) for processing of documents: 11 working days. OFWs with an approved application will be given a date to collect and pay for their verified documents. Sample form schedule: Application date: May 5, 2025 Result of application: May 15, 2025 Releasing, Collection & Payment: May 19–21, 2025 PCT for collection: 15–20 minutes OFWs covered: OFWs with visa issued in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or are working in any of these Emirates. 2. Walk-in OFWs may visit MWO-Dubai to have their documents verified one working day before their confirmed flight to the Philippines. OFWs with flight schedule falling on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday may visit MWO-Dubai on the Thursday or Friday nearest/prior to their flight. If the day before the flight was announced as a holiday/non-working day, then the worker may visit on the nearest working day before his/her flight. OFWs who are already in the Philippines but were unable to have their documents verified prior to their flight may authorize someone to submit their documents to MWO for verification. Authorized representatives will only be allowed entry in MWO-Dubai 1–3 days before the OFW's OEC appointment in the Philippines or 2–5 days before the worker's flight going back to the UAE. OFWs covered:
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Filipino Times
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to close June 5–6 for Eid al-Adha
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has announced that it will be closed to the public on June 5 and 6, 2025, in observance of Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha. These are important holidays in the UAE and other Muslim countries. The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi's operations will resume on Monday, June 9, 2025, following the long weekend. This temporary closure affects all services, including passport processing, notarial services, and labor-related concerns. For urgent matters, the Embassy has provided contact details for different types of assistance. Emails may be sent to [email protected] and [email protected]. Filipinos needing immediate help can also reach the Embassy through SMS, phone calls, or WhatsApp. For assistance-to-nationals, contact +971 504438003; for consular and other concerns, +971 508137836. Meanwhile, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) may be reached directly at +971 56 270 9157. These contact lines will be open even during the holiday. Filipinos in Abu Dhabi are advised to plan ahead and take note of the Embassy's adjusted schedule.
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- General
- Filipino Times
Injured Filipino fishermen in Hawaii receive medical aid
Two Filipino fishermen in Honolulu, Hawaii received medical and financial assistance after suffering hand injuries while working on fishing boats. According to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Los Angeles, both workers were injured in separate accidents while on duty, with one of them having his fingers partially severed. The assistance was provided through the DMW AKSYON Fund, a government program that offers help to Filipino workers overseas in emergency situations. One of the injured workers, identified as Samson, underwent surgery to reattach his fingers. The other fisherman, Raandaan, is currently undergoing medication and recovery for his injuries. 'Our Filipino fishermen are part of the vulnerable sectors of OFWs. It is only right that we provide necessary assistance, support, and monitoring to ensure their welfare [is] protected,' said Labor Attaché Macy Monique A. Maglanque. She added that the help given follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac to prioritize support for those in urgent need.
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.
