Curated news from DMW, OWWA, Philippine embassies, and Asian migration authorities — updated regularly.
The Department of Migrant Workers has begun piloting a new digital 'OFW Pass' via a dedicated mobile app, set to replace the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The automated system aims to streamline transactions for Filipino workers across Asia and the Middle East, reducing paperwork and processing times at airports and DMW offices. The initiative is part of a broader push toward full digitalization, including the online PEOS and e-Registration platforms already in use by many OFWs in the region.
The Department of Migrant Workers has launched the inaugural OFW Global Summit, hosted in Manila with the largest delegation coming from Asian host countries. Representatives from Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Middle East attended alongside Philippine agencies to strengthen bilateral labour agreements and improve welfare services for OFWs across the continent.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower announced an increase in the foreign worker levy for Work Permit holders in the services and construction sectors, effective July 2026. The DMW's Migrant Workers Office in Singapore has assured affected OFWs that employers remain responsible for levy payments under the standard employment contract. OFWs experiencing deductions are urged to contact the Philippine Embassy for assistance.
The DMW has officially kicked off Filipino Migrants Month for June 2026. Philippine embassies and consulates across Asia — from Tokyo to Dubai, Singapore to Seoul — will be hosting community events, wellness programmes, and outreach activities throughout the month. Check with your nearest Philippine embassy for local events near you.
Hong Kong's Labour Department announced a 5% increase in the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic workers (FDWs), now set at HKD 4,990 per month. The new rate applies to all new and renewed contracts. The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong welcomed the increase, noting that over 200,000 Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong will benefit. The new food allowance has also risen to HKD 1,236 per month.
Taiwan's Ministry of Labour announced a 6-month extension of work permits for Filipino caregivers and factory workers, citing labour shortages and the excellent performance of Filipino workers. Over 160,000 Filipinos currently work in Taiwan under blue-collar and white-collar programmes. MECO Taipei confirmed the streamlined processing.
A total of 55 overseas Filipino workers arrived safely in the Philippines from Dubai, assisted by the DMW's ongoing repatriation programme. The workers were provided with transportation, temporary shelter, and reintegration support upon arrival. The DMW continues to monitor OFW welfare across the Middle East and Asia.
Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme has expanded to include three new sectors: aviation, food services, and agriculture. Filipino workers with relevant experience and Japanese language proficiency (N4 level or higher) are encouraged to apply. Over 50,000 Filipinos are expected to benefit from the expansion. The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo has announced additional pre-departure language support.
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has streamlined visa processing for Filipino professionals in healthcare, engineering, and IT. The new Premium Residency visa now includes a dedicated fast-track lane for Philippine-qualified applicants. The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the development and urged OFWs to use only accredited recruitment agencies.
South Korea and the Philippines signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding on labour cooperation, expanding job opportunities for Filipino workers in Korean manufacturing, agriculture, and shipbuilding. The new agreement includes stronger worker protections, minimum wage guarantees, and improved access to the Korean EPS (Employment Permit System). Over 25,000 Filipinos currently work in South Korea under the EPS programme.
The DMW's annual Labour Day job fair featured 3,400 overseas positions across engineering, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, and seafaring. The majority of openings were in Asian destinations — Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Middle East. Twelve licensed recruitment agencies participated.
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