OFWs in the UAE hailed the recent news as the UAE government announced that they will be aiding amnesty seekers whose passports were confiscated by their employers/sponsors.
In a recent report, Major General Mohammed Al Marri, General Director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai said that they will send their people to retrieve the passports in case they’re being withheld. “If someone came and they said, ‘my passport is with the company or with my sponsor’, we will take care of that and we will send our people to get the passport,” explains Al Marri.
The opportunity provides a chance for OFWs to secure their passports and go home if they have been overstaying or have absconding cases.
The OFWs have praised the UAE government for their dedication to treat their expat workers with utmost respect and diligence.
OFWs Ram Escarcha and Arkie Erika said that this move from UAE government shows that the country respects workers of all nationalities.
Marlon Morada hopes that the companies and sponsors will comply following the announcement.
Tere Acop wishes that the move by the UAE government will not only be applied to amnesty seekers, but to other workers whose passports were confiscated by their employers as well.
Meanwhile, other OFWs hope that other countries in the Middle East follow the example of the UAE government.
RELATED STORY: UAE officials to retrieve confiscated passports of amnesty seekers
The UAE Amnesty program “Protect yourself by modifying your status” runs from August 1 to October 31. There are 9 centres prepared for the amnesty program spread across all 7 emirates. Their working hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, from Sundays to Thursdays. There’s also a 24/7 hotline for general inquiries: 800-5111.
OFWs seeking to be assisted to return home may also proceed to the following places:
Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Western Regions: Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Email: [email protected]
Dubai and the Northern Emirates: Philippine Consulate in Dubai
Email: [email protected]
