The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) unveiled a sweeping digital-reform package on 11 February that will directly benefit more than 650 000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based in the UAE, the second-largest Filipino community abroad. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Key measures include replacing the paper Overseas Employment Certificate with an *in-app* OFW Travel Pass, standardising procedures through a new Regional Operations Manual and cutting face-to-face requirements for issuing essential documents such as the OFW Information Sheet. Secretary Hans Cacdac said queues at Philippine overseas posts—including Dubai and Abu Dhabi—should “drop dramatically”. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
The reforms dovetail with the UAE’s own drive toward paperless government, allowing Filipino workers to renew clearances or request assistance via smartphones. For employers, faster processing reduces downtime between contract signing and mobilisation, and limits last-minute airport issues linked to missing exit permits.
![Philippines fast-tracks digital travel clearances for 650 000 OFWs in the UAE]()
For OFWs and UAE employers who also need to manage UAE visa requirements or other travel documentation, VisaHQ’s user-friendly portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) provides quick online visa applications, document checks, and real-time status updates, complementing the DMW’s new digital tools and keeping everyone compliant without extra paperwork.
DMW is also decentralising enforcement, giving regional teams authority to pursue illegal-recruitment cases and inspect agencies more rapidly—an important safeguard in a market where agency fees and contract substitution remain risks.
With remittances from the UAE topping US $3 billion in 2025, Manila hopes the digital overhaul will enhance protection while sustaining the flow of skilled and semi-skilled talent to Gulf employers.
Key measures include replacing the paper Overseas Employment Certificate with an *in-app* OFW Travel Pass, standardising procedures through a new Regional Operations Manual and cutting face-to-face requirements for issuing essential documents such as the OFW Information Sheet. Secretary Hans Cacdac said queues at Philippine overseas posts—including Dubai and Abu Dhabi—should “drop dramatically”. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
The reforms dovetail with the UAE’s own drive toward paperless government, allowing Filipino workers to renew clearances or request assistance via smartphones. For employers, faster processing reduces downtime between contract signing and mobilisation, and limits last-minute airport issues linked to missing exit permits.
For OFWs and UAE employers who also need to manage UAE visa requirements or other travel documentation, VisaHQ’s user-friendly portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) provides quick online visa applications, document checks, and real-time status updates, complementing the DMW’s new digital tools and keeping everyone compliant without extra paperwork.
DMW is also decentralising enforcement, giving regional teams authority to pursue illegal-recruitment cases and inspect agencies more rapidly—an important safeguard in a market where agency fees and contract substitution remain risks.
With remittances from the UAE topping US $3 billion in 2025, Manila hopes the digital overhaul will enhance protection while sustaining the flow of skilled and semi-skilled talent to Gulf employers.
