Many Filipinos have now returned to the country after securing their approvals from the UAE government through GDRFA for Dubai and Sharjah-based visas and ICA for visas issued at other emirates.
Among these Filipinos is 30-year-old Glenda* who like many other Filipinos got stranded in the Philippines when the coronavirus disease began spreading worldwide.
“Umalis po ako noong February 24 para magbakasyon at pabalik na sana ako sa amo ko noong April 24, kaso nung nagka-COVID na-cancel po ang mga flights at di po ako makabalik,” said Glenda, who has been working as a housemaid in Dubai for four years.
Six rejections
When the UAE began accepting back residents, Glenda joined thousands who applied through ICA but faced several rejections: “Mga 6 times ako na-reject. Since May pa ako nag-a-apply para lang sa approval ng return permit to UAE. Inabot na po ako ng halos limang buwan na na-stranded sa Pilipinas.”
When she attempted to apply again, this time through the GDRFA portal, she was amazed when she got the approval within minutes.
“Last na apply is 08 July 2020 – 10:52 am. Exactly 11:07 am of same day nakuha yung approval. Ang napansin ko dun sa ibang mga applications na unang na-reject sa akin, normal lang procedure ilalagay yung residence file number, passport, nationality and other details then mag attached ng identity documents ng traveler (passport, visa, EID copy).
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Pledge letter requirement
Glenda shared that the last application requires a ‘pledge letter’ that will be signed by the sponsor to confirm her return to work.
“Yung pinaka last na application na nakuha na yung approval nang hingi ng Pledge letter from Sponsor. Downloadable form na siya na naka indicate na dapat pirmahan nung na submit Na yung file number sa website mismo ng GDRFA. In Arabic format siya na pinirmahan ng sponsor/ amo then iuupload siya sa application online sa GDRFA kasama yung passport copy, visa copy ng sponsor. Pwede din I attached yung passport copy. emirates ID. Nung last application na kasama yung Pledge letter from sponsor dun na nakuha yung ICA approval ng Return Permit,” said Glenda.
Notes to travel
Glenda shares that Filipinos who intend to travel back to the UAE have to prepare documents and undergo the following processes:
Requirements:
– Negative test result for COVID-19 valid within 96 hours.
– GDFRA approval documents
– Quarantine undertaking and health declaration documents. Available online through your preferred airline. Or via a form when you board the plane.
– Please bring your own ball pen for your own safety to avoid borrowing from others.
– Face masks are mandatory.
– Make sure your visa is still valid.
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Philippine immigration requirements:
– Valid OEC
– Original passport
– Boarding pass
Upon arrival at Dubai Airport:
– Passenger will register to do a COVID-19 test. Show your passport and Emirates ID. The official will then provide a tracking number for contact tracing.
– Proceed to immigration, and then do your free swab test afterwards.
– Get your luggage from the conveyor belt, head home and wait for your test results.
“Laking pasasalamat ko po sa amo ko na talagang sumuporta para siguraduhing makakabalik ako sa UAE,” said Glenda as she thanked her sponsor who helped her through the process to ensure that she arrives back to the UAE safely.
*Real name withheld
