Skip to main content
Super Tutor

Career & Government

OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker)

Abbreviation: OFW

A Filipino working abroad — a large part of the Philippine economy through remittances.

OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) refers to Filipinos employed outside the Philippines, from skilled professionals (nurses, engineers, teachers, IT and finance workers) to service, household and construction workers. Their remittances — tracked by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas — are a major part of the economy.

Common destinations: the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar), East Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan), North America, Australia and New Zealand, and sea-based work on ships.

Key agencies:

  • DMW (Department of Migrant Workers), which took over the former POEA's functions
  • OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration)

What it means for you:

  • Licensing and visa requirements depend on the destination
  • Income earned abroad by qualifying OFWs is generally exempt from Philippine income tax
  • You can keep contributing to SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG while abroad
  • Use only DMW-licensed recruitment agencies

Frequently asked questions

What is an OFW?
An OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) is a Filipino employed outside the Philippines. OFW remittances, tracked by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, are a major part of the Philippine economy.
Are OFWs exempt from Philippine income tax?
Income a qualifying OFW earns abroad is generally exempt from Philippine income tax. Income earned within the Philippines stays taxable.
Which government agency handles OFWs?
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) oversees OFW deployment and protection, together with OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration); the former POEA's functions were folded into the DMW.

See also

Read more

Back to glossary