Supporting OFWs as a Trusted Global Financial Partner
According to 2022 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), more than half of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) reside in the Middle East. Remittances from this region have historically bolstered the Philippines’ economy, serving as a lifeline for families relying on their loved ones’ sacrifices to work abroad. As the leading finance super app for Filipinos worldwide, #GCash has become one of the most-used finance apps in the Middle East.
GCash’s Growing Popularity
Based on data.ai statistics, GCash ranked as the second most-used app in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for June and July 2024, with over 900,000 active users each month. In Qatar, GCash is the ninth most-used app, with over 50,000 active users.
Expansion to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
GCash is now available in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing Filipinos to use GCash with their international mobile numbers. In February 2024, GCash received approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to expand to these areas, as well as the UAE, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain, and Germany. GCash Overseas initially launched in the U.S., Canada, Italy, the UK, Australia, and Japan.
Future Expansion Plans
GCash will soon be available in other Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain and Oman.
Meeting OFWs’ Needs
“For OFWs, there is something special about products and services made for Filipinos, by Filipinos,” said GCash International General Manager Paul Albano. “GCash has assessed the needs of OFWs, not just in terms of digital finance solutions but also in empowering them economically—especially in the Middle East with its unique Filipino demographic and community.”
“We thank our dear Filipinos in the Middle East for their trust in GCash,” added Albano. “This is our greatest honor: to innovate tirelessly, crafting financial services that will empower you to build brighter futures for yourselves and your loved ones.”
Commitment to Financial Empowerment
GCash is dedicated to ensuring that the hard-earned money OFWs send home is received by their families. The Send Money for free feature (across GCash accounts) saves them from incurring costs for every transaction. Through the Pay Bills portal, OFWs have full visibility and control over their local financial obligations, allowing them to properly allocate their earnings and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Most importantly, GCash enables them to perform all these transactions wherever they may be. OFWs no longer need to visit remittance centers or banks, which are typically closed on holidays and weekends, thus avoiding additional travel costs.
“GCash is committed to serving all Filipinos wherever they may be in the world,” Albano said. “By enabling their access to our financial services, we’re helping them thrive every day, be ready for a rainy day, and be prepared for one day—and we already see how OFWs use GCash to support their families now and in the future.”
About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills via partner billers nationwide, send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts, purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers, and access savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment services—all from their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are managed by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.
GCash supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
For more information, please contact: Gilda Maquilan VP and Head of Corporate Communications, GCash Email: corpcomm@gcash.com Facebook: GCash Official
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of GCash’s expansion to the Middle East? A: GCash’s expansion to the Middle East supports OFWs by providing them with trusted financial services, enhancing their ability to manage finances and send money home efficiently.
Q: How popular is GCash in the Middle East? A: GCash is the second most-used finance app in the UAE and the ninth in Qatar, with significant user bases in both countries.
Q: What features does GCash offer to OFWs? A: GCash offers features like free money transfers between GCash accounts, a Pay Bills portal for managing local financial obligations, and the convenience of performing transactions from anywhere.
Q: Which countries will GCash expand to next in the Middle East? A: GCash plans to expand to Bahrain and Oman soon.
Q: How does GCash support sustainable development? A: GCash supports the UN SDGs, focusing on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and combating climate change.