Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates who wish to join the Philippine government’s repatriation program must meet several documentary and legal requirements before they can board a flight home. The Migrant Workers Office in Dubai has outlined what it calls being “repat-ready,” and workers are advised to settle these conditions as early as possible to avoid delays.
Passport and travel documents
The first requirement is a valid passport or travel document with at least six months of remaining validity. OFWs traveling on a travel document instead of a passport should note that border crossings are not permitted under that arrangement — only those with valid passports may cross land borders. This is particularly relevant for workers in Bahrain and Kuwait, where some OFWs have had to travel overland to reach Riyadh to board chartered flights back to Manila.
Employment visa status
Workers must hold a valid or active employment visa to be eligible to return to the UAE within six months of departure — a condition that matters for those who plan to come back once the situation stabilizes. Authorities have noted that the majority of repatriated OFWs so far have not indicated plans to stay in the Philippines permanently, treating their return as temporary.
Those whose visas are in a grace period following cancellation may still cross the border. Workers who do not plan to return are advised to formally cancel their visa to avoid complications. OFWs with overstay violations or absconding records will be required to secure an outpass for a direct flight and are encouraged to inform their employers to preserve the possibility of returning to their jobs.
No pending cases or travel ban
OFWs with an active legal case or travel ban cannot leave the country. The MWO Dubai is available to provide legal assistance to workers in this situation. Those affected are urged to contact the office directly rather than attempt departure without clearance.
Fit-to-travel certificate for medical cases
Passengers with existing medical conditions or who are pregnant must present a valid fit-to-travel certificate issued by a licensed physician before boarding. This requirement applies regardless of whether the flight is commercial or government-chartered.
How to register
OFWs who meet the above requirements and wish to request repatriation may contact the MWO Dubai Assistance to Nationals unit through the following:
- Hotlines: 056-353-5558 / 054-223-0822 / 056-153-3057
- Email: ATN.MWODUBAI@DMW.GOV.PH or REPAT.MWODUBAI@GMAIL.COM
OWWA Dubai may also be reached at hotline 0505585536 or via email at DUBAI@OWWA.GOV.PH.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac has announced that the second phase of the repatriation program is now underway, and workers who missed the first phase are encouraged to register. MWO Labor Attaché Atty. John Rio Bautista has also directed those needing in-person assistance to visit the MWO office for direct support.
OWWA processes repatriation requests on a case-by-case basis, with welfare officers conducting assessments and calling back registrants with specific instructions on travel documents, exit visas if required, and transportation to the departure point.
