MANILA – A total of 707 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 49 dependents have been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates under the UAE government’s amnesty program, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
On Friday, the 11th batch of repatriates, consisting of 49 OFWs and two dependents, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 659. The amnesty program, which began on September 1, was initially set to end on October 31, but after appeals from migrant groups, it has been extended through December 31.
The program allows overstaying foreigners in the UAE, including Filipinos, to leave the country without facing legal penalties. It covers all visa types, including expired tourist and residency visas, but excludes those with pending criminal charges. Children born in the UAE without proper documentation can also benefit from the amnesty.
The DMW continues to encourage overstaying Filipinos in the UAE to avail of the program before the December deadline. Returning workers can re-enter the UAE in the future, provided they have the appropriate visa.
ia/mnm
