News Articles:

1. DMW eyes full rollout of digital eTravel pass to replace OEC for OFWs - (Philippine News Agency)

• The DMW plans to replace the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) with a digital eTravel pass as the main exit document for OFWs, merging the two systems
• The system is currently under pilot testing, aiming for full implementation by early next year, covering both returning and newly hired workers.
• So far, about 70,000 OFWs have used the new system, and the DMW targets reaching around 200,000 workers before the full rollout.

2. Filipino Domestic Workers in Hong Kong to receive Wage Increase starting September 30- (The Bench Files)

• Starting September 30, 2025, the monthly minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong will increase from HK$4,990 to HK$5,100.
• The food allowance for domestic workers not provided meals by their employers remains unchanged at HK$1,236.
• The DMW views the wage increase as a recognition of the dignity and rights of these workers, urging all stakeholders to ensure new contracts reflect the revised wage and reminding that the Hong Kong Migrant Workers Office will assist in contract enforcement. 

3. Gov’t launches free medical aid for OFWs, kin - (Inquirer.Net)

• The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched “Alagang OWWA Botika”, providing free medical consultations and prescription medicines to active and former OFWs and their families.
• Under PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), beneficiaries (OFWs and dependents) can receive up to ?20,000 worth of medicines per year from accredited pharmacies.
• Free checkups are available every Friday with YAKAP-accredited doctors, and prescriptions obtained can be claimed at OWWA’s “botika” (pharmacy) located in Pasay, Quezon City, or Alabang for those in the south.

4. Villanueva eyes to slash OFWs remittance fee by half - (DailyTribune)

• Senator Joel Villanueva is pushing for a proposal to cut remittance fees charged to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by 50%, arguing that high fees erode the value of their earnings. 
• He has filed Senate Bill No. 181 — Overseas Filipino Workers Remittance Protection Act to enforce transparency, require disclosures of remittance charging structures, and prevent fee increases without consultation from relevant agencies.
• The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have voiced support, citing that wider use of digital remittance platforms could boost efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion for OFWs and their families. 

5. DMW assures help for kids of OFW on death row in Kuwait - (Philippine News Agency)

• The DMW vows to provide livelihood and education assistance for the two minor children of a Filipino domestic worker in Kuwait who was sentenced to death, ensuring their welfare won’t be compromised.
• The department is pursuing legal appeals in Kuwait and monitoring the case closely through their legal counsel in the country.
• DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stressed that the situation should be seen as an isolated incident, not representative of the over 220,000 OFWs in Kuwait, and expressed condolences to both the Filipina’s family and the Kuwaiti family involved.