THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that they continue to send their remittances to the Philippines for free.
This is despite the decision of the Emirates National Bank of Dubai (NBD) to impose fees on most cross-border payments effective September 1, 2025.
“The Philippines is among the six countries granted by the Emirates NBD to continue to enjoy free of charge for money transfers,” said the DMW in a statement.
“OFWs working in the UAE may continue using Emirates NBD for fast, free transfers to the Philippines,” it added.
Effective September 1, 2025, Emirates NBD will begin imposing a fixed Dh 26.25 (VAT inclusive) fee on all international transfers.
The Department expressed gratitude to the UAE government and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for helping OFWs.
It also thanked the Emirates NBD for preserving fee-free transfers to the Philippines.
“This is a clear sign of their understanding of how essential these remittances are for Filipino households,” said the DMW.
“Their cooperation ensures that OFWs can continue sending financial support to their loved ones without additional costs,” it added.
Records show that there are around 700,000 OFWs based in the UAE.
