DFA repatriates 200 undocumented OFWs from UAE

In this file photo, overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Kuwait fill out information forms on their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. INQUIRER FILE / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Some 200 undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were set to arrive in Manila on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

In a statement released late Sunday, the OFWs who were granted amnesty by UAE were expected to arrive at 8 a.m. on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Dubai.

This latest batch of repatriated workers brings the number of Filipinos flown home by the DFA under the UAE amnesty program to 2,481.

The DFA said it shouldered the cost of the OFWs’ immigration penalty fees and airfare. The DFA will also provide the repatriates with cash assistance when they arrive.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai reminded undocumented OFWs that they only have until Dec. 1 to avail of amnesty.

The UAE has extended the amnesty program to Dec. 1. /cbb

READ: DFA welcomes Dec. 1 extension of UAE amnesty program