Photo credit: DMW

With shifts in U.S. immigration policies under President-elect Donald Trump, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is assuring Filipinos in the United States—documented or undocumented—that they won’t face these challenges alone. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the DMW’s readiness to support Filipinos who could be impacted by proposed mass deportations.

“We’re here to provide help to our OFWs, whether they are documented or undocumented,” Cacdac said. “Under the directives of our President, a whole-of-government team is mobilized to support possible deportees, ensuring no Filipino is left behind.”

Assistance Plans for Those Affected

The DMW, alongside the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has prepared extensive support mechanisms for those who might need to return home. Through the AKSYON and Emergency Repatriation Funds, the DMW can offer immediate financial, medical, and legal aid, ensuring essential needs are met.

The DMW’s AKSYON Fund will provide financial support and facilitate reintegration for affected individuals. From job retooling to reskilling programs, the DMW has joined forces with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to help returning Filipinos get back on their feet.

For those considering work abroad, the DMW is also exploring job opportunities in countries like Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Hungary, and Japan, building partnerships to create alternative options.

Help Available on the Ground

For Filipinos with unpaid wages or labor complaints, DMW’s Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in the U.S. are ready to assist. Reach out to these MWOs for help with U.S. labor authorities, even after a return to the Philippines:

- MWO Washington, DC
Email: mwo_washingtondc@dmw.gov.ph
Hotline: 202-467-9426

- MWO Los Angeles
Email: mwo_losangeles@dmw.gov.ph
Hotline: 213-887-8573

With a coordinated effort between the DMW, DFA, and U.S. authorities, Secretary Cacdac reassures Filipinos: “DMW and our partner agencies are here to support and assist our OFWs every step of the way.”