Complete Guide to OWWA Benefits and Programs for OFWs

Filipino workers living in Qatar may have access to several government assistance programs through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

These benefits cover education, medical emergencies, financial assistance, skills development and support for workers returning to the Philippines.

OWWA services are not limited to workers experiencing emergencies.

Some programs also help OFW dependents complete their education or prepare for future employment.

Here are the main benefits available to qualified members and their families.

1. OWWA Social Benefits for Workers and Families

OWWA offers financial protection to eligible OFWs who experience illness, disability, death or other difficult circumstances.

The main social benefits include:

Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP)

This program supports qualified family members of deceased OWWA members.

Assistance may cover a dependent’s education and livelihood support for an eligible surviving family member.

Death and Disability Benefits

OWWA provides insurance-related financial assistance to eligible active members and their beneficiaries.

These benefits may cover death, burial expenses, accidental injuries and permanent disability.

Supplemental Medical Assistance Program (MEDplus)

MEDplus provides additional medical support to qualified OWWA and PhilHealth members hospitalized due to certain serious illnesses.

Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps eligible OFWs and families affected by calamities, medical problems, displacement, bereavement and other difficult situations.

Each form of assistance has its own requirements and benefit limits.

2. Education Scholarships for OFW Dependents

Filipino parents working in Qatar may also explore OWWA scholarships for their children studying in the Philippines.

OWWA’s college scholarship programs include:

Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP)

Qualified dependents may receive up to Php 60,000 per school year for an approved four- or five-year college course.

OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP)

This program provides Php 20,000 per school year to eligible dependents pursuing approved college or associate courses.

Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP)

Qualified scholars may receive up to Php 60,000 per school year for priority science and technology courses.

For more information, read our article on OWWA scholarship applications for OFWs and their dependents.

Scholarship schedules change, so families should monitor the official application portal at https://scholarship.owwa.gov.ph/.

3. Skills Training and Professional Development

OWWA also offers short-term training assistance to qualified workers and dependents.

These programmes may help OFWs gain new qualifications or prepare for different job opportunities.

Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program (SESP)

SESP provides up to Php 14,500 for an eligible technical or vocational training course.

Training must meet the program’s accreditation requirements.

Find out more in our guide on how OFWs can get up to Php 14,500 for skills training through OWWA.

Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP)

Eligible seafarers may receive training assistance of up to Php 7,500 for an approved upgrading course.

Information Technology Training Program

This program helps qualified participants improve their computer knowledge and basic digital skills.

4. Business and Livelihood Assistance for Returning OFWs

OFWs in Qatar who plan to return permanently to the Philippines may explore OWWA’s reintegration services.

Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay Program

This program helps eligible returning workers start small livelihood activities or businesses.

Assistance may involve start-up support, entrepreneurship training and referrals to other employment services.

OFW Enterprise Development and Loan Program

The program supports qualified OFWs interested in developing or expanding a business.

It combines business preparation with access to financing through participating banks.

Unlike a livelihood grant, an approved business loan must be repaid.

For additional information on assistance already provided to OFW families, read our report on Php 304 million in assistance released by DMW and OWWA.

5. Pre-Departure Seminars and Emergency Repatriation

OWWA also assists workers before leaving the Philippines.

The Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) explains travel procedures, contracts, workers’ rights and destination-country information.

Household service workers must also complete the Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program (CPDEP), which provides preparation for domestic work overseas.

Meanwhile, OWWA’s Repatriation Program supports distressed or stranded OFWs who need help returning home.

Assistance depends on the worker’s circumstances and may include travel coordination, temporary accommodation and airport assistance.

Where to Ask About OWWA Benefits in Qatar

Filipinos in Doha and other parts of Qatar may contact the Migrant Workers Office and OWWA representatives for membership, welfare and assistance concerns.