UAE firms to cease hiring overstayers as amnesty ends

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – New directives have been issued by the UAE government for companies to stop getting overstayers on board as the two-month amnesty program concludes on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

This was according to Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver, head of the Philippine mission in the UAE, who in a joint statement with Consul General Marford M. Angeles, also announced the repatriation of 47 more overseas Filipinos on Tuesday evening, Oct. 29.
 
It was the ninth batch since repatriations began last month. A tenth and last batch was being set up for this week, according to Ver.

This coordinated effort reflects the urgency brought about by the UAE authorities’ recent announcement that there will be no extension to this year’s amnesty program, said the joint statement.

“(The ambassador) urged all remaining eligible Filipinos to secure their exit passes promptly before the deadline, as new directives have been issued to UAE companies to cease recruitment of overstayers,” the joint statement read. 

“Filipinos who have been unable to secure employment visas are encouraged to take advantage of the program and return home to the Philippines rather than risk overstaying,” it added.

Those who were able to secure exit passes have at least 14 days to depart, according to regulations.

Tuesday’s flight brought the total number of repatriates to 581. The repatriates, who were from Dubai and the Northern Emirates, were given an opportunity to return to the Philippines with their overstay and absconding fines waived by the UAE government. 

This significant initiative shows the ongoing support of UAE authorities in helping individuals return home without the burdens of past immigration penalties, the joint statement read. 

Angeles personally led the consulate and a team from the Migrant Workers Office/Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO/OWWA) at the airport to oversee the check-in and immigration procedures, as well to “ensure that the repatriates’ departure was as seamless and dignified as possible.” 

In addition to the complimentary plane tickets that were provided, the repatriates will likewise receive financial assistance to aid their transition as they re-establish their lives in the Philippines.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News