Covid-19 impact: Cash aid announced for Filipino expats in UAE

A one-time cash aid of $200 (approximately Dh727) shall be given to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose employments have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, guidelines published by the Philippine labour department on Thursday clarified that only those who have been displaced because of the crisis are eligible.

Filipino expats in the UAE may apply for the financial assistance programme - dubbed 'DOLE-AKAP for OFWs' - as long as they meet three eligibility requirements:
- Have experienced job displacement because of the Covid-19 pandemic
-Must be at overseas job sites or in the Philippines as 'balik-manggagawa', or already repatriated to the Philippines
- Must not receive any financial support / assistance from receiving countries /employers

To apply, documents such as an accomplished form, passport copy, proof of employment and proof of loss of employment, must be submitted to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Also read: How to apply for the cash assistance

Since the Consulate-General of the Philippines and the embassy are still closed in line with the UAE's #StayHome directive, requirements can be submitted online.  An advisory on the online submission of applications is expected to be released in the coming days.

Eligible OFWs, who are in the Philippines, must apply at OWWA regional welfare offices.

Philippine labour secretary Silvestre Bello III said even those whose employment contracts have not been registered yet with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) are covered by the initiative.

"Also included in the programme are those who are not registered with the POEA or whose contracts were not processed by POEA or the POLO, but have undertaken actions to regularise their contracts or status; or who are not registered with the POEA or whose contracts were not processed by POEA or the POLO, but are active OWWA members at the time of availment," Bello said.