Fifty-two Filipinos, including undocumented mothers and children, as well as stranded workers, have been safely brought home from the United Arab Emirates through a coordinated government repatriation mission, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to aid distressed OFWs.
The group, flown in via Philippine Airlines flight PR659, was met at NAIA Terminal 1 by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. It included 19 Filipina mothers who availed of UAE’s amnesty program and their 23 children, along with 10 overseas workers who were en route to Jordan but got stranded in Dubai due to rising regional tensions.
Secretary Cacdac stressed the urgency of the repatriation. “There’s criminal and morality codes in the UAE. If there is a mother who gives birth and hindi known ‘yung status or out of wedlock, ay nagiging undocumented yung bata. Therefore, mahirap in terms of getting medical treatment, and education,” he said. “So it’s important na maiuuwi sila agad.”
The DMW, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, facilitated documentation and DNA testing for the children to ensure a smooth return. The repatriated individuals received financial aid through the DMW AKSYON Fund and were provided with reintegration assistance.
As part of continuing support, the DMW and OWWA have now helped a total of 28 OFWs who were caught in the Middle East crisis and stranded in Dubai due to airport closures. Authorities are urging OFWs facing similar disruptions to coordinate with their airlines and report to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Migrant Workers Office for immediate assistance.
