MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government welcomed another significant group of overseas Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, as the repatriation efforts linked to the UAE’s visa amnesty program continue. A total of 324 Filipinos arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, marking one of the largest single-day arrivals since the initiative began earlier this year.
The returnees were met by officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Many of those who returned had been working in the UAE with irregular immigration status or expired visas. Under the UAE’s temporary amnesty policy, these individuals were allowed to rectify their status or depart the country without facing the typical fines or legal penalties associated with overstaying.
“We are grateful to the UAE government for this window of opportunity, which has allowed our kababayans to come home with dignity and without the burden of heavy financial penalties,” a DMW official stated during the arrival proceedings. “Our focus now is ensuring they have the support they need to start anew here at home.”
Upon arrival, each returnee received immediate financial assistance from the government’s Alerto-Balik-Pinas program. In addition to the cash aid, the DMW and OWWA have set up dedicated desks to provide counseling, medical check-ups, and enrollment in livelihood training programs offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
For many of the repatriates, the return is bittersweet. While relieved to be reunited with their families, many expressed concerns regarding their immediate employment prospects. To address this, the government is facilitating job matching services for local opportunities as well as potential redeployment to other overseas markets for those who wish to continue working abroad with proper documentation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continues to urge Filipinos still in the UAE who are eligible for the amnesty to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai before the program’s official deadline.