Filipinos in the UAE 2026: Embassy, Dubai Consulate, MWO
Quick answer
The UAE has two Philippine posts, and your emirate decides which one serves you. The Embassy in Abu Dhabi covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The Consulate General in Dubai covers Dubai and the Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Each post has its own Migrant Workers Office (MWO) with OWWA, SSS and Pag-IBIG desks. A passport renewal costs AED 240 at both posts.
Which office handles what
| Office | What to go there for | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi | Passports, notarials, civil registry, help for Filipinos in distress | Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra |
| Philippine Consulate General, Dubai | Passports, notarials, civil registry, help for Filipinos in distress | Dubai and the Northern Emirates |
| MWO Abu Dhabi (Embassy compound, Villa 2) | Contract verification, OEC, job orders, labor complaints | Workers with Abu Dhabi visas |
| MWO Dubai and Northern Emirates (Al Qusais 3) | Contract verification, OEC and OFW Pass concerns, Tadbeer hiring, labor complaints | Workers with visas from Dubai and the Northern Emirates |
The two posts do not share appointment slots. Book with the one that covers the emirate where you live.
Services at the embassy
Both posts renew passports, notarize affidavits and special powers of attorney, register births, marriages and deaths, and help Filipinos in distress. Labor matters, such as a contract problem or an OEC, go to the MWO, not to the consular section.
Appointment systems
- Passports at either post: book on the DFA Global Online Appointment System at passport.gov.ph.
- Passports at the VFS ePassport Renewal Center in Abu Dhabi: book by phone (02-412-0251) or by email to info.philippinespptauh@vfsglobal.com. This center takes simple renewals only.
- Notarials in Dubai: book on the Consulate's notarization and civil registration portal.
- MWO Abu Dhabi: book by email at mwo_abudhabi@dmw.gov.ph or on +971 56 270 9157.
Step-by-step booking help is on our UAE appointment page.
How much does it cost?
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport renewal | AED 240 | Same at the Embassy and the Consulate General |
| Lost ePassport replacement | AED 600 | Embassy and Consulate General |
| Travel document (Dubai) | AED 120 | AED 160 with the expedite fee |
| Notarial document (Dubai) | AED 100 | Affidavit, SPA, certification; AED 40 extra to expedite |
| Contract verification at MWO Dubai | AED 40 | Cash, per contract; ask MWO Abu Dhabi for its fee |
| OWWA membership | USD 25 (RA 10801); AED 92 at MWO Dubai | Ask MWO Abu Dhabi for the dirham amount; valid for 2 years |
Both posts take cash only for passports, so bring the exact amount.
Where do you apply?
- Philippine Embassy, Abu Dhabi: Villa 1, W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi. WhatsApp +971 50 813 7836. Open Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
- Philippine Consulate General, Dubai: 851 Beirut Street, Al Qusais 3, Dubai. Landline +971 4 220 7800, WhatsApp +971 56 417 7558. Open Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
- MWO Dubai: Street 2C, Beirut Street, near Al Qusais Police Station, Al Qusais 3. Landline +971 4 220 7011, WhatsApp +971 50 652 6626.
- MWO Abu Dhabi: Villa 2 in the Embassy compound. Phone +971 56 270 9157.
Both posts ask visitors not to come in sando, shorts or slippers.
Local OFW resources
- OWWA: Dubai +971 50 558 5536 (dubai@owwa.gov.ph); Abu Dhabi +971 58 589 3227 (abudhabi@owwa.gov.ph).
- SSS: Dubai +971 56 212 3426 (dubai@sss.gov.ph); Abu Dhabi +971 56 461 4435 (abudhabi@sss.gov.ph).
- Pag-IBIG Fund: Dubai +971 56 728 5143; Abu Dhabi +971 50 357 6308.
- Help for Filipinos in distress: in Dubai, the Consulate's ATN line +971 56 501 5756 or the MWO's ATN hotline +971 56 353 5558. Abu Dhabi ATN numbers are on the Embassy contact page.
- DMW-OWWA 24/7 hotline: 1348, or +632 1348 from the UAE.
The Consulate General in Dubai has helped bring Filipinos home during the 2026 regional tensions. It has also warned the public about repatriation fixers and fake facilitators. Repatriation help is free and goes only through the Consulate, the MWO and OWWA.
Before you sign a job offer
MWO Dubai verifies a contract only if the basic wage is at least AED 1,500 a month. If you are hired from the Philippines, check the agency first on the DMW list. DMW can limit deployment to Gulf countries during a crisis, so read the latest advisory on dmw.gov.ph before you pay anything.
Going home for good
If you are leaving the UAE for good, keep your contract, last payslips and final settlement papers. Then check what you can claim or continue:
- SSS for OFWs: keep paying or file for benefits.
- Pag-IBIG for OFWs: savings, MP2 and loans.
- OWWA membership and benefits: reintegration and livelihood programs.
Recruitment agencies with approved job orders for United Arab Emirates (DMW list)
Frequently asked questions
I live in Sharjah. Do I go to Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Dubai. The Consulate General in Dubai covers Sharjah and the other Northern Emirates.
Can I renew my passport without going to the Embassy in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, if it is a simple renewal. The VFS ePassport Renewal Center at The Mall, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi, accepts renewals with no change in your details. It charges AED 240 plus AED 91.75 for VFS and AED 20 for the passport revolving fund.
Is the Embassy open on Fridays?
Yes, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The Consulate General in Dubai keeps the same Friday hours.
Who helps me with a labor problem in Dubai?
The Migrant Workers Office in Al Qusais 3. Call or WhatsApp +971 50 652 6626, or the ATN hotline +971 56 353 5558.
How much is OWWA membership in the UAE?
USD 25 (RA 10801), valid for 2 years. MWO Dubai collects it as AED 92; ask MWO Abu Dhabi for the dirham amount.
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