OFW Welfare Services — Legal Aid, Repatriation & Emergency Assistance

The Philippine government provides comprehensive welfare services for Overseas Filipino Workers through the DMW, OWWA, and Migrant Workers Offices at embassies worldwide. If you are a distressed OFW, help is available 24/7.

Emergency? Call the DFA 24/7 Assistance-to-Nationals hotline: +63 2 8834-4000 or the DMW hotline: 1348 (from Philippines). Contact your nearest Philippine Embassy immediately.

Available Welfare Services

Legal Assistance
  • Free legal counsel for labour disputes
  • Contract violations and unpaid wages
  • Filing of complaints against employers
  • Mediation and conciliation services
  • Court representation in host country
  • Anti-trafficking case management
Repatriation
  • Free airfare back to Philippines
  • Airport meet-and-assist service
  • Temporary shelter upon arrival
  • Psychosocial debriefing
  • Livelihood assistance post-repatriation
  • Reintegration programme enrollment
Shelter & Housing
  • Emergency shelter at embassy (safe house)
  • OWWA halfway homes in the Philippines
  • Temporary accommodation for runaway workers
  • Referral to local shelters and NGOs
Medical Assistance
  • Emergency medical treatment coordination
  • Hospital bills assistance (OWWA medical fund)
  • Mental health counselling
  • Repatriation for medical treatment
  • Death and burial assistance

Education & Training Programmes

  • OWWA Education for Dependents (EDSP): Scholarship grants of PHP 10,000–20,000/year for children of OFW members
  • Skills Training: TESDA-accredited courses for OFWs and returning workers
  • Language Training: Free language courses (Japanese, Korean, Arabic) at selected embassies
  • Financial Literacy: Savings, investment, and business start-up workshops
  • OFW Enterprise Development: Entrepreneurship training and micro-loans for returning OFWs

Emergency Contacts

24/7 Hotlines
  • DFA ATN: +63 2 8834-4000
  • DMW: 1348 (Philippines)
  • OWWA: +63 2 8551-6641
  • Anti-Trafficking: 1343
  • IACAT: +63 2 8524-3334
How to Seek Help
  1. Contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate
  2. Ask for the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) or POLO
  3. File a formal complaint or request for assistance
  4. If in immediate danger, contact local police AND the embassy

Related Pages

OWWA Membership

Benefits & registration

OFW Guide

Complete handbook

Mental Health

Support for OFWs

Emergency Numbers
  • DFA 24/7: +63 2 8834-4000
  • DMW: 1348
  • OWWA: +63 2 8551-6641
  • Anti-Trafficking: 1343
OFW Services