158 distressed OFWs return from UAE

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 158 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived home on Sunday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a statement, the DFA said the OFWs — 74 from Abu Dhabi and 84 from Dubai — were mostly victims of human trafficking.

“These workers were found to have left the country using short-term visit visas and were promised to be issued with work visa by illegal recruiters. Many of them were overworked, suffered maltreatment and experienced contract violations by their employer,” said Consul General to Dubai Paul Raymund Cortes.

Since January, more than 4,800 overseas Filipinos have been repatriated from the UAE. —Tina G. Santos