February 27, 2010 – Thirty-nine overseas Filipino workers, all females, repatriated from Dubai arrived today, Saturday, at about 2.30 pm on board QR 646, OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon said.
The expected number was 42. But three OFWs were held by immigration authorities in Dubai. OWWA welfare officers in Dubai are checking with Dubai immigration the reasons for holding the departure of the three OFWs.
The embassy, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the OWWA welfare officer in Dubai are helping the left-behind OFW resolve her visa problem. The cause of her visa cancellation was not immediately known.
The arrival of the 41 was expected at past 3 pm but the OWWA repatriation team was advised today of a change in schedule.
OWWA said that the OFWs were mainly runaway workers whose foreign employers issued exit clearances only in the last few days.
Immigration laws of Dubai allow migrant workers to leave the host country only if they have clearances.
Negotiations with these employers sometimes take time, stranding workers for months.
The embassy provides temporary shelters, food, and medicine while negotiations are ongoing.
Only when the waivers have been issued can the workers be booked on available flights home.
The combined diplomatic and labor welfare team assists runaway workers in the negotiations with the employers and Dubai immigration authorities.
The OWWA repatriation team in Manila will assist the repatriated workers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in clearing immigration procedures.
The workers will be offered temporary lodging at the OWWA Halfway House pending arrival of relatives or departure for their provinces.
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