A Filipino suffering from kidney failure was part of a group of 64 overstaying Filipinos in the UAE who were recently repatriated under the country’s amnesty program. The Filipino, who had been undergoing dialysis, received medical care a day before their scheduled flight back to the Philippines, GMA News reported.
In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso A. Ver shared that the repatriation included 35 Filipinos from Abu Dhabi and 29 from Dubai. The amnesty program, which began on September 1, 2024, allows overstaying residents to return home without incurring penalties.
One notable case involved a Filipino who had been hiding in the UAE for nearly six years due to a lack of proper documentation. The repatriated individuals expressed their gratitude, particularly the Filipino receiving dialysis treatment, who was provided with necessary medical care despite lacking legal status.
The repatriation was organized by the “One Country Team UAE,” consisting of the Philippine Embassy, Consulate General, and Migrant Workers Office (MWO). The flights were funded by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through the MWO and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The UAE amnesty program, which runs until October 31, 2024, has already benefited over 2,000 Filipinos in its first week. Returning OFWs will also receive financial assistance from the DMW and OWWA upon their arrival in the Philippines.