New batch of OFWs under UAE amnesty program back in PH

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

AMNESTY GRANTED. Forty-nine overseas Filipino workers and two dependents from the United Arab Emirates arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Friday (Nov. 8, 2024). They are part of the 11th batch of Filipinos who have availed of the UAE government’s amnesty program for overstaying foreigners. (Photo courtesy of DMW)

MANILA – A total of 707 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 49 dependents from the United Arab Emirates have been repatriated under an amnesty program, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Friday.

On Friday, the 11th batch of Filipino repatriates under the UAE amnesty program, consisting of 49 OFWs and two dependents, landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 659.

The DMW called on overstaying Filipinos in the UAE to avail of the amnesty program until Dec. 31.

The program began on Sept. 1 and was supposed to end on Oct. 31. Migrant groups appealed for the extension.

The UAE amnesty program waives fines and penalties and allows overstaying Filipinos and other expatriates to leave the country without facing legal repercussions.

It does not cover those with pending criminal cases.

They can reenter the country in the future provided they have the appropriate visa.

The program applies to all visa types, including tourist and expired residency visas.

Children born in the UAE without proper documentation can also benefit from the program.