In a shocking attack in July 2025, two cargo ships carrying Filipino seafarers were targeted by Houthi rebels in the dangerous waters of the Red Sea near Yemen, resulting in tragic deaths and missing crew members, which led the Department of Migrant Workers to swiftly suspend the manning agency’s licenses, launch thorough investigations, extend crucial support to affected families, and enforce strict bans on deploying Filipino workers to at-risk vessels—underscoring the urgent need to protect our modern-day heroes at sea.
Jul 11, 2025
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW formerly POEA) announced welcome developments for overseas Filipino workers. In the UAE, OFWs can continue sending money to their families in the Philippines without any remittance fees, even as Emirates NBD imposes new charges on other countries starting September 1, 2025. This ensures uninterrupted financial support for thousands of Filipino households. In Israel, the DMW has eased travel restrictions for returning OFWs after improved security conditions. Those with valid contracts can now resume work, although the deployment of new hires remains temporarily suspended. The DMW continues to provide shelter and assistance to OFWs on the ground. These efforts highlight the government’s strong commitment to protecting the welfare and livelihoods of Filipino workers abroad.
Jul 11, 2025
In a significant step towards empowering Filipino jobseekers, WorkAbroad.ph proudly formalised its partnership with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last 27th of June 2025. This collaboration underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to promoting safe, legitimate, and transformative overseas employment opportunities for residents of San Jose del Monte and neighbouring areas.
Jul 07, 2025
A courageous Filipino ship captain received a triumphant homecoming celebration after fearlessly leading the rescue of fellow Pinoy seafarers in perilous waters. This inspiring act of heroism exemplifies the extraordinary valor, quick thinking, and unwavering brotherhood that make Filipino maritime professionals the most sought-after crew members globally. While, The Department of Migrant Workers (formerly POEA) is championing transformative reforms to eliminate exploitative practices and create robust legal safeguards for our maritime heroes. These progressive initiatives ensure our seafarers receive the respect, fair compensation, and dignified treatment they rightfully deserve.
Jun 11, 2025
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully turned over 3,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW formerly POEA) for distribution to Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFWs) families. This initiative aims to ensure that these packages, filled with gifts and essential items, reach their rightful recipients. The BOC has also implemented stricter regulations and filed multiple criminal complaints against unscrupulous freight forwarders to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs has approved a substitute bill establishing a comprehensive reintegration program for OFWs. The proposed legislation seeks to provide support for returning workers through skills training, financial assistance, and other services to facilitate their transition back into the local workforce. This move underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the welfare of Filipino migrant workers
Jun 11, 2025
MANILA, Philippines – May 21, 2025 — In a bold move to reshape the future of tourism and maritime education in the Philippines, WorkAbroad.ph, the country’s premier overseas job platform, and 2GO Travel, a leading logistics and maritime transport provider, have joined forces to launch the “Enrollment to Employment” (E2E) Program.
May 21, 2025
A fresh petition has been filed with the Supreme Court contesting the seafarer bond requirement, with advocates arguing it creates unfair financial barriers for maritime workers seeking employment. Simultaneously, authorities are urging Filipinos to exercise heightened vigilance when applying for online jobs following a surge in sophisticated employment scams targeting job seekers. These parallel developments highlight the importance of both legal protections and personal caution in safeguarding Filipino workers from exploitation
May 14, 2025
The Department of Migrant Workers has announced valuable job opportunities for returning OFWs with teaching credentials, offering stable career paths for Licensed Teacher Examination passers. However, authorities are simultaneously issuing urgent warnings about two growing scam categories: fraudulent "missionary" positions targeting religious Filipinos and sophisticated fake online job postings designed to extract personal information and money. These developments underscore the importance of verifying employment offers through official channels like the DMW (formerly POEA) and licensed recruitment agencies. Officials advise job seekers to remain vigilant of red flags including upfront payments, unsolicited offers, and jobs promising unrealistic compensation.
May 14, 2025
The Department of Migrant Workers (formerly POEA) has taken decisive enforcement action by shutting down a travel agency that illegally recruited Filipino workers for unauthorized positions in Bulgaria, preventing potential exploitation. Meanwhile, in a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has declared the mandatory SSS registration requirement for OFW clearance unconstitutional, removing a significant bureaucratic hurdle for overseas workers. These parallel developments represent important steps in safeguarding Filipino labor rights and streamlining the legitimate deployment process.
Apr 16, 2025
Filipino seafarers face dual challenges: Several crew members are under investigation in a 200kg drug bust in South Korea, while industry experts call for urgent digital upskilling to future-proof maritime careers against automation and AI disruption. These developments highlight both immediate legal concerns and long-term career sustainability issues facing the Philippines' maritime workforce.
Apr 16, 2025
