An online petition urging the Philippine government to lift the travel restriction it imposed on passengers coming from the UAE is gaining traction among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Last Friday, the Inter-Agency Task Force updated its measures to allow repatriation flights to enter the country, whether it’s led by the Philippine government or non-government organizations, with strict adherence to the 14-day quarantine in a facility.
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In effect, OFWs from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Oman who want to come home for vacation or those that are not part of any repatriation initiative will not be allowed entry to the Philippines.
The petition stressed: “We would like to call upon the Philippine government to hear our voice to lift the travel ban from UAE to the Philippines.”
The petitioners pointed out that the UAE is a safe country amid the pandemic and most residents in the Gulf country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Let us join and gather signatures so that the Philippine government hear our voices to lift the ban for us OFW or Overseas Filipino Workers and Filipino Nationalities travelling from the UAE to the Philippines,” the group said.
Since its launch two days ago, nearly 1,500 OFWs have signed the petition.
One of the petitioners said the UAE has done an excellent job in handling the pandemic and vaccination against COVID-19. and there is no reason for the Philippines to bar Filipinos from coming home.
“The government here really wants to make sure that everyone’s is safe, and I am one of a million people here who are vaccinated! And it is our right to go back in our own country,” she wrote.
Below are other comments from OFWs regarding the #LIFTUAEBAN campaign:
“We implore your consideration and concern to our fellowmen who sacrificed their lives working abroad, please give us the chance to be with our families. we will undergo the required quarantine and PCR test despite having full vaccination.”
“I know you’re just doing your best to protect our beloved country Philippines against COVID-19. Pero marami din po ang Pilipinong gusto na umuwi for personal reasons like my mom. Alone na po sya kasi namatay last year ang among stepfather.”
“We have the right to go home in our own country even for vacation only we miss our family for how many years that Im not going home give us the chance to meet them and feel that they are not alone during this time of pandemic.”
“Please lift the ban I only have 30 days vacation this June 5-July 5 2021. My flight cancelled last June 5. Be sensitive to our feelings we want to be our family for one month. That happiness cannot be replaced with anything. Of all the stressful situation to be with our family, the only thing we can give to ourselves.”
“Maawa na kayo overstay na kame dito sa UAE, wala ng pang upa sa bahay para matitirhan at wala na din pangkain… Please lift the ban.”
