45 more Pinoys repatriated from UAE under amnesty program

More than 40 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates have returned to Manila on Friday after availing the Middle Eastern country’s amnesty program, which waives overstaying and absconding fines for qualified visitors.

This is the second batch of repatriates which was composed of 17 overseas Filipino workers, including three children, from Dubai, and 24 OFWs from Abu Dhabi.

The Philippine Embassy in UAE said among the repatriates are undocumented workers and those who have medical conditions.

“Their travel arrangements were facilitated by the Migrant Workers Offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The ticket assistance provided to the repatriates ensured that no financial barrier hindered their safe return home,” the embassy said in a statement. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the returning Filipinos will receive reintegration services and other assistance from the government. 

The latest batch brings the total number of returnees under the amnesty program to 103 OFWs and five child returnees. 

Last September 13, an initial 64 Filipinos returned home to the Philippines.

The amnesty program started on Sept. 1, 2024 and will end on Oct. 31, 2024. More than 2,000 overstaying Filipinos availed of the program in its first week. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News