The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said the processing of end-of-service benefits (ESB) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East is now the duty of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In an advisory, the DFA said the task has been formally transferred to the DMW on Feb. 4, 2024.
“Effective 04 February 2024, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will handle all new End-of Service Benefits (ESB) applications, claims, and remittances for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East,” the DFA said.
The department said for OFWs in the Middle East whose employment has recently ended, or beneficiaries or next-of-kin of a deceased OFW, new applications for ESB claims must now be submitted to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate or the DMW in Manila.
Meanwhile, the DFA said it will continue to process the applications for ESB claims or remittances filed before Feb. 4, 2024.
“ESB claims already submitted to the MWO or DMW shall continue to be processed by the MWO or DMW,” the DFA said.
Employers of OFWs in the Middle East are advised to direct any new ESB remittances for their Filipino employees to the designated bank or bank account of the MWO at the nearest Philippine Foreign Service Post.
The DFA urged OFWs and beneficiaries to visit the MWO at the nearest Philippine Foreign Service Post for more information and assistance with their respective ESB claims.
The transfer of ESB functions to the DMW is part of the DFA’s compliance with the Department of Migrant Workers Act of 2021 (Republic Act No. 11641) and to ensure seamless and efficient services for OFWs and their kin.