Dubai, UAE, 15 August 2018 – Officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai sent off around 100 overseas Filipinos from UAE who availed of the UAE amnesty program today at the Dubai International Airport. Accompanying the first batch of 99 repatriates was Deputy Consul General Renato Duenas Jr.  The repatriates who flew via Philippine Airlines were then met upon arrival in Manila by officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).   

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Rapid Response Team facilitated the first batch of amnesty repatriation. The Philippine Government, through the DFA, shouldered the amnesty-seekers’ payment for outpass (exit clearance), removal of absconding case and plane tickets, and also extended financial support to the repatriates.

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has tentatively scheduled the repatriation of the other overseas Filipinos, in batches, on 25 August and 3 September 2018.

Filipinos in UAE who wish to avail of the amnesty program may wish to seek assistance to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai.  Daily briefings and special consular services are conducted at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai to provide information on the procedures to avail of either their repatriation or legalization of their stay in UAE.

The UAE government is implementing the amnesty program for foreign nationals with overstaying or absconding cases until 31 October 2018.  Those availing of the amnesty will be exempted from fines and penalties for immigration violations, and if warranted, could apply for an appropriate visa to make legal their stay in UAE. END