09 January 2025, Dubai, UAE – The latest batch of repatriates from Dubai and the Northern Emirates under the UAE’s Amnesty Program departed Dubai on 09 January 2025, marking another vital humanitarian initiative that has provided hope and relief to numerous Filipino nationals in the UAE. The group comprised 11 individuals, including seven Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and four minors who were returning to the Philippines for the first time. The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Dubai facilitated their documentation, exit passes, and repatriation tickets, ensuring a seamless process for their departure. This initiative highlights the Philippine government’s dedicated efforts to protect and assist its citizens abroad.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Alfonso A. Ver, personally met the repatriates at the airport to extend his well wishes as they prepared to return to the Philippines. He was accompanied by Consul General Marford M. Angeles, Vice Consul Aleah Marie Gica, Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista, and other officers and staff from the Consulate and MWO Dubai. Their presence underscored the importance the Philippine government places on safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens, particularly those in vulnerable situations. The officials expressed their full support for the repatriates, assuring them that reintegration assistance would be provided upon their return to help them rebuild their lives and start anew.
Earlier that evening, 10 Filipinos from Abu Dhabi were also repatriated through the combined efforts of the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office in Abu Dhabi.
Since the Amnesty Program began in September 2024, a total of 1,180 Filipinos have been successfully repatriated. The program has exemplified the UAE’s generosity by enabling individuals with immigration violations to either regularize their status for employment or residency or return to their home country with dignity. This initiative also reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to strengthening relations with its expatriate communities.
The Philippine government conveys its sincere gratitude to UAE authorities for their exceptional generosity and cooperation for allowing affected Filipinos to resolve their immigration issues and supporting their safe return. END