Over 700 repatriations recorded, more flights seen as UAE amnesty is extended

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A total of 732 overstaying Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates have been repatriated, the latest two batches of which were flown home on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, even as more flights were anticipated in light of the amnesty program’s extension until the New Year’s Eve.

In a statement, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai said it has repatriated 35 overseas Filipinos who had been overstaying in the city.

The repatriations, done on Oct. 31, were facilitated in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Another batch, composed of Filipinos overstaying in Abu Dhabi, were repatriated on Oct. 30 and organized by MWO at the Philippine Embassy there.

The repatriations raised the total number of repatriates to 732 since the program began in September, according to the statement.

Following the decision of the UAE government to extend the amnesty period until Dec. 31, 2024,  Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver, head of the Philippine mission to the UAE, expressed profound gratitude to UAE authorities for allowing more expatriates the opportunity to legalize their immigration status.

He also urged eligible Filipinos who have yet to take full advantage of the amnesty program to legalize their residency or exit the country.

The program offers overstayers two options: Leave the UAE with a clean slate and come back later to start again, or stay provided employment has been secured.

The repatriates, whose overstaying and absconding fines were generously waived under the amnesty program, received essential assistance from the Philippine government, including airfare and consular documentation support, the statement said.

Those with special cases were also aided in securing their exit passes. Overseas Filipinos who enlisted for the repatriation program will receive financial assistance upon arrival in Manila.

Consul General Marford M. Angeles led a team from the Philippine Consulate General, MWO and OWWA at the Dubai International Airport to ensure that all repatriates experienced a seamless check-in and immigration process. —KG, GMA Integrated News