Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) – Home of the OFWs

The Department of Migrant Workers is one of the Philippine agencies that promotes the welfare and protect the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It is in charge of facilitating the overseas employment of Filipino workers abroad, and reintegration of Filipino workers should they decide to go back to the Philippines for good.

Note: OFWs should download the DMW Mobile App to learn more and take advantage of its features dedicated for migrant workers abroad.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created under the Republic Act No. 11641, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act, signed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 30, 2021. It is tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through training and knowledge development.

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Purpose of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created with the hope of increasing the efficiency and convenience of OFWs who are seeking help as they plan to merge all seven (7) agencies under one roof. Those government agencies are:

  1. DFA-OUMWA – Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs. This government agency is in charge of coordinating concerns from the overseas labor and employment industry.
  2. POEA – Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. This government agency is in charge of national overseas labor activity across all manning and recruitment agencies.
  3. POLO – Philippine Overseas Labor Office. This government agency is in charge of enacting and maintaining the Philippine labor policies and practices for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of OFWs.
  4. ILAB – International Labor Affairs Bureau. This government agency is in charge of developing recommendations for current labor policies, operating international labor and employment standards, and for monitoring the country’s observance and implementation of its obligations.
  5. NRCO – National Reintegration Center for OFWs. This government agency is in charge of helping displaced or terminated Filipino migrant workers and their families.
  6. NMP – National Maritime Polytechnic. This government agency is in charge of conducting specialization, upgrading courses, and competency assessment and ratings for marine officers and trainees following the national and international Maritime Education and Training (MET).
  7. Office of the Social Welfare Attache of DSWD. This government agency is in charge of coordinating with the overseeing departments on cases of irregular, distressed, and vulnerable OFWs for assistance.
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DMW logo

Benefits of The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

Living away from family and friends is difficult. Even so, if you live in a strange country miles away from them. This makes them more vulnerable to homesickness, illegal recruiting, and human trafficking. One of the main reasons why the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created is to focus on supporting OFWs in times of need.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) sets up a 24/7 Emergency Response and Action Unit to accommodate the OFWs’, migrant Filipinos’, and their families’ emergency needs. They are also planning on working with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to prosecute people who are doing illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

Functioning of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

With the combined effort and power of the seven (7) agencies, here’s the list of the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) functions:

  • Formulate and implement policies, programs, and projects to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers and their families;
  • Provide social protection services to all migrant workers and their families;
  • Conduct research studies on labor migration trends, patterns, and impact on Philippine development;
  • Monitor implementation of laws, rules, and regulations related to the recruitment, employment, deployment, and reintegration of migrant workers;
  • Institutionalize a system of accreditation of private recruitment entities;
  • Facilitate the delivery of pre-departure orientation seminars to prospective migrant workers;
  • Assist Filipino migrant workers and their families in returning to the Philippines;
  • Coordinate with government and non-government agencies involved in labor migration programs and projects.

Programs and Services

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) created series of programs and services dedicated to helping and empowering Overseas Filipino Workers, Filipino migrants, and their families. Here are some of the programs and services that you can enjoy:

  • Livelihood program for OFWs who want to start a business or expand their current business.
  • Training programs on entrepreneurship, financial management, and other topics that will help OFWs build their own business.
  • Career counseling services to help OFWs look for new employment or transition to a new career. 
  • Legal assistance services for OFWs.
  • Welfare services in times of need, such as medical emergencies, natural calamities, or political disputes.

Video: Interview with DMW Secretary Susan Toots Ople

Watch this interview of RTVM Philippines with Migrant Workers Secretary Toots Ople to learn more about employment opportunities overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a Philippine-owned agency that promotes the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

Who will benefit from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assists all OFWs, Filipino migrants, and their families.

What is the difference between the DMW and POEA?

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) coordinates efforts between all agencies involved in overseas employment and migrant workers’ welfare. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is a separate agency from the DMW but will implement policies and programs created by the DMW.

Summary

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is a combined effort of seven (7) agencies that aims to protect the rights and promote the welfare of all Filipinos abroad and their families. It strengthens and connects all agencies that help OFWs to give faster and more efficient services that Filipino workers deserve. DMW works in the hopes of making the lives of Filipino workers, migrants, and their families become better and safer by providing programs and services specifically for them to enjoy and use. This agency serves as a refuge for abused and maltreated OFWs.

The DMW still has a long way to go and improvements to undergo, but the Philippine government is assuring our kababayans abroad that this agency will extend their helping hands in times of need.

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