OFWs play a vital role in both nations’ economies and communities. Unfortunately, some may face issues such as abuse, non-payment of salary, withheld documents, or contract breaches. If you encounter these situations, take action immediately — and don’t face it alone.
🔍 Immediate Steps to Take
- Stay Safe & Collect Evidence
- Document all incidents: date, time, details, parties involved.
- Collect supporting evidence: photos, screenshots of messages, audio, or video recordings — but only if it’s safe for you.
- Inform Your Immediate Contacts
- Notify family and friends; consider reaching out to trusted OFW support groups or community organizations for emotional and logistical support.
📞 Who to Contact for Help
1. DMW – Migrant Workers Office in Saudi Arabia
DMW has taken over the former POLO-OWWA services. These are your first points of contact for labor-related issues:
Riyadh (Central Region)
- Address: 3267 Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Al-Mutamarat, Riyadh 12711, Saudi Arabia
- Hotline (WhatsApp/Phone): +966 50 285 0944
- Email: mwo_riyadh@dmw.gov.ph (labor concerns), ofwpass.mworiyadh@gmail.com (OEC/OFW Pass) dmw.gov.ph | mworiyadh-govph.com | facebook.com
Jeddah (Western Region)
- Address: 4663 Fajr St, Al Rehab District 6, Jeddah 21412, Saudi Arabia
- Hotline: +966 56 981 9720
- Emails:
- Labor/workers concerns: pjcc2022@yahoo.com
- Assistance to nationals (ATN): atn.mwojeddah@gmail.com
- Verification/workflows: jeddahmwo.vu@gmail.com
Al Khobar (Eastern Region)
- Hotline: +966 56 232 9926
- Email: mwo_alkhobar@dmw.gov.ph
2. Philippine Embassy – Non-labor / Emergency Concerns
If your case escalates or needs consular support:
Philippine Embassy – Riyadh
- Hotline: +966 56 989 3301
- Email (Assistance to Nationals): atn@philembassy-riyadh.org
Press the emergency hotline for immediate help, especially in cases of threats, violence, or trafficking.
3. 24/7 DMW Helpdesk (Philippines)
If you cannot connect locally, use:
- Hotline: +63 2 8722 1144
- Online e-Helpdesk: dmw.gov.ph/e-helpdesk
This is useful for immediate escalation and reporting, even from abroad.
🛡️ Available Services & Legal Protections
- Counseling & mediation via DMW staff in Saudi Arabia
- Temporary shelters (e.g. Bahay Kalinga – especially for HSWs who’ve escaped abusive conditions) mworiyadh-govph.com
- Legal assistance and representation from DMW staff or Embassy legal officers
- Repatriation support, including securing exit visas and travel documents
- Under Saudi labor reforms (Labor Reform Initiative and Mudad wage system), you’re entitled to:
- Request exit/re‑entry visas and change employers
- Payment of salaries through secure, transparent wage systems
- Protection from forced labor and withheld documents
✅ Final Reminders
- Don’t confront employers alone. Let DMW/Embassy handle formal communication.
- Never abscond without properly filing—it risks illegal overstay, deportation, or fines.
- Persistently follow up with DMW—cases can move slowly.
- Keep family informed with location, DMW/Embassy contacts, and your case details.
✊ You Have Rights and Support
You deserve safety and dignity in your workplace. The DMW Migrant Workers Offices and the Philippine Embassy are actively ready to assist. With clear documentation and assertive reporting, you can reclaim control of your situation.
