More Filipinos return home after availing of UAE amnesty program

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The second batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who availed of the amnesty program of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Friday.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the batch consisted of 17 OFWs with three children from Dubai and 25 from Abu Dhabi.

Last week, 64 OFWs who also availed of the program arrived in the country.

At least 2,000 Filipinos have applied for the program that started on Sept. 1.

The repatriation of these OFWs was in coordination and joint efforts of the Philippine Embassy in UAE, DMW Migrant Workers Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, DMW Secretary Leo Cacdac said.

Cacdac welcomed the OFWs and handed them financial assistance and other forms of government aid.

The UAE amnesty program waives fines and penalties and allows overstaying Filipinos and other expatriates to leave the country without facing legal repercussions, with the option to re-enter the UAE in the future with an appropriate visa.

The amnesty program covers all types of visas, including tourist and expired residency visas.

Children born with no documents could also avail of the amnesty and have their status rectified.