Some UAE-bound Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) bear the brunt of the temporary travel ban to “all flights to and from” China, Hong Kong and Macau amid the novel coronavirus scare.
Seafarer Marvin Samson, who has been working as seaman for twelve years, said this is the first time he had experienced being stranded in the airport.
Samson is bound for Hong Kong and has a connecting flight to Dubai.
“Nag worry po kami kasi inaantay na kami sa Dubai,” Samson told The Filipino Times.
He added that he has told his company about the flight cancellation and they are now waiting for the management’s advise.
Moreover, Samson said if the company would not understand the current situation, he is worried that their ship would sail on without him. This would mean six months without work for him.
“Sana po payagan pa rin kaming makaalis, kasi wala naman kaming virus, saka baka mawalan kami ng trabaho,” Samson added.
President Rodrigo Duterte has expanded the travel ban to and from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
