R. A. 7157 define the role of an Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs as follows - to advise and assist the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the formulation and implementation of the Department's objectives and policies, as well as [to] coordinate and oversee the operational activities of the Departments.
Created by Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs aids the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and provides advice on matters relating to the formulation and execution of Philippine foreign policy relating to the protection of the dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms of Filipino citizens abroad, while giving particular attention to the protection and promotion of the welfare and dignity of overseas Filipinos. It is the third pillar of Philippine foreign policy and one of the highest priority concerns of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Foreign Service Posts.
OUMWA works in coordination with various sectors - elected officials, other government agencies, OFWs and their families, mass media, private organizations, international organizations, NGOs and religious group - to deliver timely assistance to Filipinos nationals.