Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates can now use their degrees from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) for career growth, following official recognition from the UAE Ministry of Education.
In a recent announcement, UPOU said its academic programs are “now officially recognized for equivalency” in the UAE—a move that could open new doors for overseas Filipino workers seeking better job opportunities and professional advancement.
UP President Angelo Jimenez welcomed the development, saying it will significantly improve the lives of many OFWs. “This will allow our kababayans to shift from high-risk, low-paying jobs to more stable and higher-paying positions,” he said.
Previously, Filipinos holding UPOU degrees encountered hurdles in getting their credentials acknowledged in the UAE, which affected their chances for promotion or better employment.
UPOU Chancellor Joane Serrano also committed to expanding their global academic reach through the university’s Ventures for International and Transformative Academia program, aiming to make UP education more accessible to Filipinos worldwide.
