OUMWA – Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs – Purpose, Functions and Responsibilities

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) was established by Republic Act No. 8042 (Section 24), also known as the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.”

Also Read: DMW – Department of Migrant Workers Office

This office is a key player in the Philippine government’s efforts to protect and promote the welfare of migrant workers and their families. It is responsible for formulating policies and programs that will address the needs of migrant workers, both here and abroad.

The OUMWA also coordinates with various government agencies and private organizations to implement its programs. It works closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), among others.

One of the key functions of the OUMWA is to provide assistance to repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It provides them with counseling, temporary shelter, medical treatment, and other services necessary for their reintegration into society.

The OUMWA also conducts information campaigns to raise public awareness about the rights and welfare of migrant workers and their families. It encourages the private sector to create jobs for repatriated OFWs, and assists them in finding appropriate employment.

What is OUMWA?

Through the Foreign Service Posts (Philippine Embassies/Consulates), OUMWA is principally responsible for providing and overseeing all Assistance to Nationals (ATN) and legal services to all overseas Filipinos in distress and their families.

To facilitate and maximize the services provided to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress and their families, OUMWA collaborates with other government agencies, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), as well as genuine Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Benefits

DFA-OUMWA serves overseas Filipinos (OF) with the ATN concerns.

Who May Avail the Service?

• Civil Service Organizations
• Distressed overseas Filipinos
• Media
• Next-of-Kin (NOK) of distressed overseas Filipinos or their authorized representative
• Other government agencies

Legal Services

• Assistance to Detained OFWs and those Serving Prison Terms
• Provision of Services of Lawyer/Counsel

Special ATN Concerns

• Assistance to Kidnapping and Hostage Victims
• Child Custody I Parental Child Abduction Cases
• Maritime Issues
• Monitoring of Death Penalty Cases
• Piracy
• Transnational Crime (i.e. Human Trafficking, Illegal Recruitment, Human Smuggling)

What are the Services of OUMWA?

OUMWA offers a variety of services to support and assist NOK’s distressed family members overseas. These include the following:

Blood Money Negotiations

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral;
• The person requesting must be a family member of the deceased OF;
• Proof of Kinship;
• Other requirements like Affidavit of Undertaking, Death Certificate, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Advisory on Marriages and Bank Account details.

How to Avail the Blood Money Negotiation Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: For approval and signature, the case officer will submit all documentary requirements to the Supervisor and the Undersecretary.

Step 7: The case officer will inform the NOK of the date of transmittal and the likely deadline for claiming the money transferred.

Compassionate Visit of the Next of Kin (NOK)

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form;
• The person making the request must be a member of the distressed OF’s family; and
• The OF’s case is worthy of a caring visit (i.e., OF has medical condition, death of the OF, OF is sentenced with life imprisonment or death, and among others).

How to Avail the Service? (For Passport Referral ONLY)

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will give the passport endorsement memo to the client and instruct the client to proceed to DFA-Aseana.

How to Avail the Service? (With VISA ONLY)

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will issue a visa certification explaining the OF’s case and the reason for the compassionate visit.

How to Avail the Service? (With ATN Funding for Roundtrip Airfare Ticket ONLY)

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will write a memo to the Secretary for the approval of the funding request.

Step 6: After the request has been authorized, the case officer will book the NOK’s flight.

Employment-related complaints

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form;
• Contact information of the OFW;
• Contact information of its employer, principal agency, and local agency; and
• Employment contract

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

End-of-Service Benefits

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral;
• Documents of the Deceased;
• Photocopy of Passport ( original and xerox copy);
• Death Certificate;
• Completed POEA Balik Manggagawa Information Sheet; and
• OWWA Membership Verification Sheet.

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: After receiving feedback from FSP, the case officer will submit the received fax confirmation from FSP to the bank in order to validate the deposit.

Step 7: The case officer will inform the NOK on the date of transmittal and the likely deadline for claiming the amount sent.

Family Financial Support

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral
• The person making the request must be a member of the OF’s family or an authorized representative;
• NOK contact information (address, mobile number, and email address);
• OF contact information (address, phone number, and email address);
• Work/Company of the OF;
• Company contact information (address, phone number, and email address).

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Jail Visitation

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form;
• Relationship of the person requesting with the Filipino detainee;
• Contact information of the NOK (address, mobile/telephone number, email address); and
• Information of the Filipino detainee.

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Medical Repatriation

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral;
• The person making the request must be a member of the OF’s family or an authorized representative;
• NOK contact information in the Philippines (address, phone number, and email address);
• OF’s information such as:
  • Contact details
  • Local Agency
  • Medical Abstract
  • Medical condition
  • Work abroad (Employer, Principal Agency)
• Repatriation flight details
• A completed UMRAF form

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Step 8: The case officer will submit an application for ATN funding to cover the expense of the OF’s repatriation.

Step 9: For the arrival of the OF, the case officer will endorse the case and coordinate with DOH, OWWA, and/or DSWD.

Step 10: In coordination with the DOH, OUMWA will admit the OF to a hospital.

Step 11: The case officer will handle the financial assistance release and hand it over to the repatriation.

Monetary Claims

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral;
• Proof of relationship of the requesting party from the deceased OF;
• Proof of kinship; and
• Other requirements Post may impose.

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Recommendation for Blacklisting

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form
• Official communication from Post regarding to the recommendation for blacklisting.

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Repatriation

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral
• The person making the request must be a member of the OF’s family or an authorized representative;
• NOK contact information (address, mobile number, and email address);
• OF contact information (address, phone number, and email address);
• Work/Company of the OF;
• Company contact information (address, phone number, and email address).

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Request for ROD and other Civil Registry Documents

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral;;
• Relationship of the requesting party with the owner of the document;
• Proof of kinship; and
• Other requirements that FSPs may impose (ie., SPA, affidavit, application forms, letter requests).

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Shipment of Personal Belongings

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form;
• Contact person abroad (address, phone number, and email address); and
• Authorization Letter (If requested by FSPs).

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Step 8: The case officer will file an ATN funding application to cover the costs of cremation and/or shipment of the personal belongings.

Step 9: The case officer will inform the NOK on the arrival details of the shipment.

Shipment of Remains/ Cremated Remains

What are the Requirements?

• A completed Shipment of Remains Form;
• A completed Letter of Acceptance of Human Remains;
• The person making the request must be a member of the OF’s family or an authorized representative with SPA;
• NOK contact information in the Philippines (address, phone number, and email address); and
• Other relevant documents.

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Step 8: The case officer will file an ATN funding application to cover the costs of cremation and/or shipping of the remains.

Step 9: The case officer will notify the NOK and other relevant agencies about the remains’ arrival.

Step 10: When the OF arrives, the case officers will provide the bereaved family airport assistance.

Step 11: OUMWA will purchase an OF connecting flight ticket and provide burial assistance to the deceased OF’s bereaved relatives.

Whereabouts / Ascertaining Condition

What are the Requirements?

• A completed ATN form or a referral;
• The person making the request must be a member of the OF’s family or an authorized representative;
• NOK contact information in the Philippines (address, phone number, and email address);
•  The NOK’s contact information/details in the host country (name, address, phone number, and email address);
• Overseas Filipino’s contact information (last known address, phone number, and email address);
• If applicable, the company’s contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address);
• The OF’s birth certificate; and
• Other relevant documents.

How to Avail the Service?

Step 1: Go to the main office of DFA.

Step 2: Get an ATN request form and monitoring sheet to OUMWA reception counter (DFA 3rd Floor).

Step 3: The receptionist will direct you to the appropriate case officer when you have completed the forms.

Step 4: The case officer will provide an overall assessment of the situation after the interview.

Step 5: After the interview, the case officer will draft an official communication, which will refer the case to the appropriate Foreign Service Post and/or other government agencies.

Step 6: The case officer will call you and update you on the case after getting feedback from FSP and other relevant agencies.

Step 7: After providing you with updates on your case, the case officer will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.

Video: Interview with Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs

You can watch DFA’s “Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola” YouTube video. Ms. Arriola discusses the DFA’s history of advancement and change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about the OUMWA office via DFA:

1. What is OUMWA?

OUMWA is principally responsible for the provision and overall coordination of all Assistance to Nationals (ATN) and legal services to all overseas Filipinos in distress and their families.

2. What is the OUMWA email address?

OUMWA email address is oumwa@dfa.gov.ph

3. What is the OUMWA hotline?

You can reach the OUMWA via their hotline at 09999802515.

4. Can I go directly to OUMWA?

Yes, you can directly go to OUMWA. OUMWA office is open from Monday to Friday at 8:00am to 5:00pm.

5. What services does OUMWA offer OFWs and/or the families/relatives of Filipinos working overseas?

Under the One Country Team Approach, OUMWA provides Assistance to Nationals (ATN) and legal assistance in collaboration with relevant government authorities.

Summary

Republic Act No. 8042 (Section 24) established the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA), also known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

The OUMWA is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers and their families. It is an important part of the Philippine government’s efforts to provide them with a safe and secure future.

All overseas Filipinos in distress and their families are served by OUMWA, which is responsible in providing Assistance to Nationals (ATN) and legal services.

If you are an overseas Filipino in distress or a relative of one, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) is here to help. The OUMWA website provides information about what services they offer and how to contact them with any questions.

Contact Information

OUMWA Office
Address: 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines
E-mail address: oumwa@dfa.gov.ph
Telephone Number: (02) 834-4996 / 09999802515
Website: https://dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl

Google Map Location

Here’s a map guide of the Department of Foreign Affairs office where the OUMWA is located: