A former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Dubai is pleading for help to recover nearly AED 20,000 (approximately PHP 295,000) after being compelled to return to the Philippines under unexpected circumstances. John Michael Dugay, who left Dubai in September 2023, shared his plight in a heartfelt social media post.
“Humihingi po ako ng tulong sa inyo sa laban kong ito dahil naniniwala po akong hindi tama ang ginawa sa akin ng naging Employer ko sa Dubai,” Dugay wrote, explaining that he was forced to leave Dubai due to a significant family emergency.
Dugay fell ill during his second week in Dubai. Despite his health issues, he approached the higher management of a training institute, explaining his situation and requesting to return home. The institute insisted he submit a resignation letter and pay AED 19,657.94 (approximately PHP 295,000) to cover expenses incurred by the company. Dugay complied and made the payment in his third week, even though the institute required him to continue working while sick.
Dugay was presented with a detailed breakdown of the expenses he needed to cover for his employment cancellation. The charges included AED 2,062.14 for his ticket, AED 4,830 for POEA fees, AED 283 for the entry offer, AED 1,293.80 for submission, AED 189 for insurance, AED 500 for the entry permit, AED 500 for PRO fees, and AED 10,000 for labor, totaling AED 19,657.94.
“Masakit mang isipin pero hindi na po ako nagreklamo ni hindi ko na po nagawang mag review ng UAE Labour Law dahil sa kagustuhan kong umuwi upang harapin ang problema na kinaharap ng aking pamilya,” he said.
Dugay paid the amount to the CEO of the company on September 19, 2023. He also personally bore the cost of his return ticket to the Philippines.
This year, Dugay sought legal advice and reported his case to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). MOHRE advised him to either have a representative submit his report in Dubai or return to Dubai himself to file the complaint. In an effort to respect his former employer, Dugay reached out for an amicable settlement but received no response.
“Opo, gusto ko pong mabawi ang nararapat na para sa akin. Hindi naman po pinupulot ang pera,” he wrote, expressing his frustration over the lack of response.
Dugay suspects that the amount he was charged was a tactic to prevent him from leaving Dubai.
“May nabalitaan din po ako na tinesting lang po ako kung ako ay kakagat sa amount na kailangan kong bayaran. Ito ay para hadlangan ang aking pag-uwi sa Pinas,” he said.
On August 5, Dugay contacted the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and was advised to reach out to his recruitment agency, 9K International Manpower, which he had not initially involved in his return. The agency has since been informed of his situation and is expected to provide updates.
In his post, Dugay appeals for support from the public, emphasizing the power of social media to bring attention to his case.
“Pinag-isipan ko po kung ipopost ko ito… naisip ko na malaki ang naitutulong ng Social Media to call out someone,” he wrote.