Curated news from DMW, OWWA, Philippine embassies, and migration authorities across the Americas — updated regularly.
2 June 2026
The Department of Migrant Workers has announced a new initiative to strengthen bilateral labour agreements with the United States and Canada. The programme aims to create more legal pathways for Filipino workers in key sectors including healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. Philippine Labour Attachés in Washington DC and Ottawa are leading the negotiations, with an expected completion by early 2027.
30 May 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended its open work permit programme for eligible Filipino workers. The policy allows OFWs with valid status in Canada to apply for open work permits without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The extension is expected to benefit thousands of Filipino caregivers, hospitality workers, and recent graduates.
28 May 2026
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2027 was reached within the first week of applications. Filipino tech workers remain one of the top nationalities receiving H-1B approvals. USCIS will proceed with a random lottery for cap-subject petitions. The DMW reminds OFWs to verify employers are USCIS-registered sponsors.
25 May 2026
Celebrations for Filipino-American History Month are underway across the United States, with major events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Honolulu. Highlights include cultural festivals, job fairs, healthcare outreach, and legal aid clinics organised by Philippine consulates and community organisations.
22 May 2026
The Philippine consulates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York have launched a mobile passport renewal service for OFWs in remote areas. The service will visit cities across each jurisdiction, allowing Filipinos to renew their passports without travelling to the consulate. Schedules are posted on consulate websites and social media pages.
20 May 2026
The Filipino community in Winnipeg, Manitoba — one of the largest per capita in Canada — has announced plans for a dedicated Filipino Community Centre. The centre will host cultural events, provide settlement services for new arrivals, and offer programs for seniors and youth. Fundraising is underway with support from the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver and local Manitoba government.
18 May 2026
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reports that remittances from OFWs in the Americas reached a record high in the first quarter of 2026, led by the United States and Canada. The total surpassed $3.2 billion, representing a 12% increase over the same period in 2025. Digital remittance platforms continue to grow in popularity among OFWs in North America.
15 May 2026
The Philippine Embassy in Mexico City held a legal rights seminar for OFWs and Filipino residents in Mexico and Central America. Topics covered included immigration status, labour rights under Mexican law, and access to Philippine government services. The embassy plans to make these seminars a quarterly event and is exploring online participation for OFWs in remote areas.
12 May 2026
A new bill introduced in the California State Assembly seeks to expand labour protections for domestic workers, many of whom are Filipino. The bill would mandate written contracts, overtime pay, and protection from wage theft. The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles has expressed support and is encouraging community members to attend public hearings.
10 May 2026
The DMW has successfully repatriated 120 OFWs from the United States and Canada who had lost their employment due to visa issues or economic circumstances. The workers received assistance with exit formalities, transportation, and reintegration support upon arrival in the Philippines. The DMW continues to operate a dedicated repatriation desk for OFWs in North America.
8 May 2026
The DMW's annual Labour Day job fair featured 3,400 overseas positions, with the strongest demand from employers in the United States (healthcare, IT, engineering) and Canada (caregiving, skilled trades, hospitality). Twelve licensed recruitment agencies participated. The DMW reports increasing interest from employers in the Americas seeking Filipino workers for their strong work ethic and English proficiency.
5 May 2026
The OWWA and Department of Health have launched a mental health support programme specifically for OFWs in the US and Canada. The programme includes free tele-counselling sessions (available in Tagalog and English), a mental health resource directory, and training for consular staff in identifying and supporting OFWs experiencing mental health challenges. The hotline is operational 24/7.