What was billed as a one-day government service caravan for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) turned chaotic on Sunday, August 3, as thousands of Filipinos from across the UAE flocked to the Dubai World Trade Centre, only to be turned away or left waiting for hours in disorganized lines.
The OFW Serbisyo Caravan, organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and supported by various Philippine government agencies, drew massive crowds early in the day, with organizers estimating more than 10,000 attendees. However, many OFWs expressed deep frustration, claiming the event lacked proper crowd control and clear communication.
“Pumunta kami sa Caravan, sobra dami ng tao, hindi organized, magulo. Ang dami na hindi na-accommodate at umuwi na lang,” wrote Facebook user Iwat De Guzman, who said a staff member told them that only 2,000 could be accommodated despite the overwhelming turnout. “Very disappointing. Wala talaga kwenta Philippines consulate dito sa Dubai.”
Another user, Jhoenalhyn Briso Sapwiz, questioned the lack of planning: “Dapat po kasi may online registration para hindi sayang sa effort. Wala ding announcement na may specific count lang pala.”
Videos shared by The Global Filipino Magazine and attendees showed long, chaotic lines wrapping around the Trade Centre, with many under the scorching heat. Some attendees shared they had traveled from other emirates like Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah—some even on unpaid leave—only to be denied entry.
“Unorganized! Sayang lang punta! Shuhada!!!!” wrote Mavs Mercado. Meanwhile, Orlino Portela Cuzzamu Jr. pointed out, “Dapat kinonsider nila yung dami ng OFW sa Dubai bago sila nag-plan sa venue… 2,000 lang pala capacity tapos almost half a million ang OFW sa Dubai pa lang.”
Others accused organizers of holding the event merely for publicity. “Pabibo na naman gobyerno… tapos dami din pala di maaaccommodate. May masabi lang na may nagawa para sa mga OFW,” said Archt Hernandez.
Calls for improvements included suggestions for online pre-registration, multiple event days, clearer signages, and deployment of well-informed personnel. Several netizens also urged organizers to schedule a second batch or bring the same caravan to Abu Dhabi, where many were unable to travel to Dubai.
Despite the backlash, the caravan—which offers services from OWWA, SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, PSA, DSWD, PAO, and more—continued throughout the day, running until 8:00 PM. Services available included national ID registration, loan consultations, e-card issuance, legal aid, and medical or welfare assistance.
The DMW and Philippine Consulate have yet to issue a formal statement addressing the public outcry.
