As a center of trade and tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) attracts workers from all over the world, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In 2024, more than 300,000 Filipinos came to the UAE to work as engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers, IT specialists, and other professions.
Today, around 700,000 to 780,000 Filipinos are living across the seven emirates of the UAE. In Dubai alone, there are over 450,000 Filipinos, making up about 20 percent of the emirate’s total population! There are also numerous restaurants and shops owned by Filipinos, making this country truly a “home away from home” for many kababayans.
Finding and Securing a Job
The first step to becoming an OFW in the UAE is to find a job and secure a job offer. You can do this by applying through a recruitment agency licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The agency will handle the processing of documents, medical exam, and work visa.
Another option is direct hiring, where you can apply directly to a UAE employer. However, your employment contract must still be verified by the DMW, to ensure that it complies with labor standards.
Online Portals for Finding Jobs
On the DMW official website, you can search for job vacancies in the UAE. Just enter “UAE,” “Dubai,” or “Abu Dhabi” on the search bar to browse the employment listings. You can also search by job position, or by the name of a recruitment agency.
In addition, here is a list of other online portals featuring jobs in the UAE:
Preparing and Authenticating Documents
Applying for a job abroad entails the preparation of documents, which typically include the following:
- Passport valid for more than six months;
- Employment Contract;
- Medical Certificate;
- Civil Documents (e.g. Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc.)
- Educational Documents (e.g. Diplomas, Transcript of Records); and
- Professional License, if applicable.
Furthermore, Philippine documents must undergo authentication to be accepted in the UAE. This involves applying for an Apostille Certificate at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and then submitting it to the UAE Embassy in Manila for attestation.
Getting a Work Permit and Visa
After you have secured a job offer, your UAE employer will apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Upon approval, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) will issue an entry permit.
Likewise, your employer will also facilitate the processing of your work visa. Work visa categories include: (a) Standard Work Visa, for employees in the private or government sectors; (b) Free Zone Work Visa, for those who will work in a Free Zone area; (c) Green Visa, for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors; and (d) Golden Visa, a long-term residency visa for qualified investors, entrepreneurs, and highly-skilled professionals.
Completing Pre-Departure Requirements
As part of the employment process, you will undergo a medical exam in a DMW-accredited clinic. Moreover, before your departure, you’ll also need to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS), register for OWWA membership, and secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), which will serve as your exit pass at the Philippine airport.
Arriving in the UAE
Upon arriving in the UAE, your employer will schedule your medical exam in an accredited UAE clinic. They will also facilitate the processing of your UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID.
With such a huge number of Filipinos working in the UAE, there’s no doubt that our kababayans play a major role in the country’s economy. As the UAE continues to expand its economy and various industries, we can expect a continuous demand for foreign workers, including OFWs.
Notably, as OWWA members, OFWs and their families are entitled to certain benefits and services. Children can apply for college scholarships like the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP). Read this article for more details about this program.