A Filipina, who has been overstaying in the UAE for six years with her three children, thanked the UAE government for helping them settle their overstaying fine amounting to Dh712,400.
The Filipina named Anne Kristine, her 7-year-old daughter and two sons, aged 5 and 2, were finally able to return to the Philippines last June 10, after several years of waiting for the legalization of their residency in the UAE, reported Gulf News.
Anne Kristine recalled that their problem started back in 2012 when her husband Joseph had switched jobs and so their family’s visa had to be cancelled.
After some time, Joseph received his new visa, but his wife and kids encountered difficulty in the processing theirs. Anne Kristine then decided to seek help from a Public Relations Officer.
They paid the PRO Dh24,000 in cash and gave him all of their documents. However, they were duped by the PRO who suddenly disappeared with their passports and money.
When they filed a complaint against the said PRO, they found out that they were not his only victims.
The family was left with no choice but to overstay. Because of their immigration status, Anne Kristine’s children can’t even go to school. The Filipina mother said she has been homeschooling her children on her own.
Their overstaying fine in the UAE reached an unbearable amount of Dh712,400.
Anne Kristine and her family then sought legal advice and Attorney Barney Almazar, Director at Gulf Law, guided them throughout the process.
The General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) reduced their fine and asked them to pay Dh4,000 each instead.
Anne Kristine thanked the UAE government for their consideration and forgiving spirit and advised overstaying Filipinos to seek help as soon as possible.
The Filipina said that they will first return to the Philippines for a short vacation and will return to Dubai with valid visas after giving them a second chance.
Photo credits: Supplied via Gulf News
