Latest news with #OFWs
GMA Network
13 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
OFWs in US face higher remittance tax under Trump 'big' bill
Sandi Agustin counts dollars as she and many other overseas FIlipino workers (OFWs) in America brace for a potential rise in the US tax for money remitted to families in the Philippines under the administration of Donald Trump. DAVE LLAVANES JR. NEW YORK — Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United States could soon be burdened with higher remittance costs if the proposed One Big, Beautiful Wall Act pushed by US President Donald Trump is enacted into law. Under the proposed measure, a 3.5% excise tax would be imposed on all money sent outside the US, including remittances to the Philippines. This means that non-US citizens sending money to their families back home could soon be paying significantly higher fees. For worker Sandi Agustin, who regularly sends money to relatives in the Philippines, the proposed tax is too heavy a burden. "For me, that's a big increase for ordinary workers like us here in America. Everyone knows that we don't just pick money up off the street here—we work hard for it. And instead of going entirely to our families, part of it will now go to taxes. It's really hard for us," Sandi told GMA Integrated News. Sandi sends money to her family in the Philippines about four times a month. Currently, she pays around $10 in transfer fees each time. But with the proposed excise tax, that amount could skyrocket to as much as $140 per month. "I usually send money weekly or bi-weekly. But if this tax becomes law, I might have to limit it to just once a month. If that's the rule, we'll follow it—we are law-abiding immigrants after all," she added. Arturo Reyes, a dialysis technician, shares Sandi's concern. He appealed to the US government to reconsider or reduce the proposed tax, especially since many Filipinos in America are already struggling to support families back home. According to Reyes, he typically pays $7 to send $1,000 to the Philippines. Under the new proposal, that fee could rise to $35 per $1,000 sent—a 500% increase. "That's a big deal for us because Filipinos here in America work double time just to send money home. I appeal to President Trump—please lower the 3.5%, make it even lower. I hope you understand the situation of all Filipinos here in America," Reyes said. Aside from higher fees, the proposed law also mandates stricter verification requirements for remittance centers, raising concerns that it might expose the immigration status of some senders, especially those who are undocumented. The United States remains the largest source of remittances to the Philippines, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Last year alone, Filipino workers in the US sent about $14 billion back home. If passed, the One Big, Beautiful Wall Act could significantly impact the flow of remittances from the US, affecting countless Filipino families who rely on that financial lifeline for daily expenses, education, and medical needs. As of now, the bill is still pending in the US Congress, and many OFWs are closely watching developments, hoping for a more favorable outcome. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Delay OFW deployment to Middle East amid tensions, DMW tells recruitment firms
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday urged private recruitment agencies (PRAs) to delay the deployment of Filipino workers to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East to ensure their safety. In its advisory, DMW reiterated the OFW deployment restrictions in Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon. 'Right now, we're on Alert Level 2 in Israel, which means new hires are prohibited, but pwede ang returning,' DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. 'However, due to the airspace restrictions, it is impossible for them to go, including those bound for Jordan, because they will just be turned back in case of the closure of the airspace,' he added. The advisory mandates PRAs to: • Maintain active communication with employers and foreign partners to verify the location and safety of deployed workers; • Conduct regular welfare checks and submit updated reports through the OFW Welfare Monitoring System; • Develop contingency plans covering evacuation and emergency repatriation; • Shoulder costs of rerouting or rebooking flights for OFWs affected by airspace closures; and • Refrain from processing deployments to Jordan and Israel until clearance is issued. 'When we speak in a regulatory sense, they have to comply. Any agency that continues deployment despite the directive will face penalties,' Cacdac said. 'And yes, 'yong cost of travel hahabulin namin sila doon kung kami ang gumastos sa pagpapauwi (we will charge them the cost of travel because we're the ones paying for it),' he added DMW said that as of June 19, it has assisted 58 stranded OFWs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation. Of the stranded OFWs, 43 were bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan. DMW also said it met with PRAs in Jordan to explain the current situation and limitations of OFW deployment. 'Handa silang mag-aantay at tumulong sa lahat nang na-stranded nating mga OFWs (they are willing to wait and help the stranded OFWs),' said DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, relaying the response of Jordanian employers. In a Reuters report, Iran and Israel targeted each other with missiles and airstrikes early on Saturday after Israel launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. Earlier today, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the 21 stranded Philippine government officials safely crossed into Jordan from Israel. DFA also said the Philippine government is considering raising the alert levels on Israel and Iran as attacks between the two countries continue.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
OFW Safety First: Philippines Suspends Deployments To Mideast Hotspots
KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has encouraged private recruitment agencies (PRAs) to delay the deployment of their processed Filipino workers to conflict-affected countries in the Middle East, ensuring their safety and well-being. The DMW issued Advisory No. 19 s. 2025 reiterating restrictions in the deployment of OFWs to Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon. Lebanon remains under Alert Level 3, which prohibits deployment of both new hires and returning workers. Israel, meanwhile, is under Alert Level 2, which means that only returning workers with valid contracts are allowed, but currently cannot proceed due to airspace closures amid the ongoing tensions in the region. 'Right now, we're on Alert Level 2 in Israel, which means new hires are prohibited, but pwede ang returning. However, due to the airspace restrictions, it is impossible for them to go, including to those bound for Jordan, because they will just be turned back in case of the closure of the airspace,' said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac during a press briefing on Thursday. As of June 19, a total of 58 stranded OFWs — including 43 bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan — have been assisted by DMW's Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation. The DMW is closely coordinating with the MWOs and the Philippine Embassies to ensure the welfare of workers caught in transit. 'When we speak in a regulatory sense, then they have to comply. Any agency that continues deployment despite the directive will face penalties,' Secretary Cacdac warned. 'And yes, 'yong cost of travel hahabulin namin sila doon kung kami ang gumastos sa pagpapauwi.' The advisory mandates PRAs to: Maintain active communication with employers and foreign partners to verify the location and safety of deployed workers; Conduct regular welfare checks and submit updated reports through the OFW Welfare Monitoring System; Develop contingency plans covering evacuation and emergency repatriation; Shoulder costs of rerouting or rebooking flights for OFWs affected by airspace closures; and Refrain from processing deployments to Jordan and Israel until clearance is issued. DMW also met with PRAs, including the Philippine Association of Manpower Agencies for Jordan (PAMAJOR) and the Foreign Recruitment Agency in Jordan, to explain the current situation and ensure compliance. 'Naipaliwanag natin sa Jordanian employers ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon at limitasyon sa pagpapapunta ng ating mga OFWs at handa silang mag-aantay at tumulong sa lahat nang na-stranded nating mga OFWs,' said DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia. The DMW emphasized its commitment to ensuring the protection and security of OFWs, especially in times of crisis, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other agencies.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Filipino Times
Sun Life unveils first health insurance plan tailored for OFWs
Overseas Filipinos have long been celebrated as the country's modern-day heroes, braving distance and sacrifice to build a better life for their families back home. Yet while they work tirelessly to secure their loved ones' future, many remain vulnerable when it comes to protecting their own health, especially while living abroad. When the one who cares for everyone else falls ill, the question remains: who will care for them? Thankfully, Sun Life has introduced OFW Health Protect, the first health insurance plan created specifically for overseas Filipinos. This innovative plan is set to benefit millions of OFWs, offering reliable protection and peace of mind wherever they are. Unlike typical insurance products, Sun Life OFW Health Protect understands the unique situation of Filipino migrant workers. It grants them access to teleconsultation with Filipino doctors, anytime, day or night, wherever they are. This means no more guessing or self-medicating out of fear of hospital bills or language barriers. Equally important, the plan provides a cash benefit upon diagnosis of a critical illness, offering much-needed financial support during life's most challenging moments. To ease the burden even more, Sun Life ensures that payment terms can be customized and aligned with an OFW's deployment contract, so they can complete payments within their work tenure abroad, without worry about unfinished obligations. For Filipinos working in the UAE, many of whom juggle multiple jobs and responsibilities, this new offering could mean the difference between facing illness alone and having a trusted partner to lean on. Sun Life's OFW Health Protect is a testament to what it means to be a true partner to the Filipino community—providing protection, understanding, and care that go beyond borders. Because every modern hero deserves to feel safe, even when far from home.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
MWO-Dubai urges OFWs to register early on DMW Portal for faster OEC processing
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and Northern Emirates has reminded overseas Filipino workers to register early on the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) E-Registration Portal. This is to make sure their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) can be processed smoothly and on time. In its latest advisory No. 14, Series of 2025, the office reminded OFWs to visit and complete their registration even before they have their employment contracts verified. 'This step is essential to facilitate the issuance of your OEC after contract verification — whether the verification is done onsite manually at MWO-Dubai or through online processing,' the advisory stated. The OEC is a vital travel document for Filipino migrant workers, serving as proof of their legal employment abroad and a requirement for exiting the Philippines for work. Key reminders for OFWs OFWs who already have an active E-Registration account at should use their existing credentials and must not create a new account, as multiple accounts may cause delays in OEC processing. Even if a contract is not yet verified, workers are advised to register early to get their E-Registration Number in advance. Early registration ensures a faster and hassle-free OEC issuance process once their documents are approved, the MWO-Dubai said.
