Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia and other countries could see stronger government support in 2027 as senators backed calls for additional funding for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
During the Senate Committee on Finance budget hearing on September 21, lawmakers discussed adding funds for emergency assistance, legal help, medical support, repatriation, and other services for OFWs.
Under the proposed 2027 national budget, DMW and OWWA have a combined allocation of about Php 11.616 billion.
DMW asks for more emergency funding
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac appealed for an additional Php 2 billion for the department.
Of this amount, Php 1 billion would go to the AKSYON Fund, which supports OFWs who need emergency legal, medical, financial, humanitarian, or repatriation assistance.
OWWA also requested another Php 2 billion for its programs.
The requests come as government agencies continue preparing for emergencies affecting Filipinos overseas, including instability and security concerns in the Middle East.
Why this matters for Saudi OFWs
Saudi Arabia remains one of the major destinations for Filipino workers.
For OFWs in the Kingdom, additional funding could help maintain services used during job disputes, medical emergencies, legal cases, evacuation situations, and repatriation.
The AKSYON Fund has previously been used to support workers facing employer complaints, unpaid wages, legal cases, interrupted employment, and emergency return to the Philippines.
Senate support is not yet the final budget
Senators expressed support for stronger DMW and OWWA funding during the hearing.
However, the additional amounts requested are not yet final appropriations.
The 2027 national budget must still go through further congressional deliberations before final amounts are approved.