Repatriated Filipinos from UAE reach 3,000; Davao receives latest arrival of 359

On a beautiful Sunday morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has repatriated a total of 3,000 distressed Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates. This after the morning arrival at Davao International Airport of some 359 stranded Overseas Filipinos from the UAE.

The latest arrival is the DFA’s 7th special chartered flight from the country since the start of the pandemic. The group included 112 pregnant Filipinos and 12 Persons with Disabilities.

“We are working double time to make sure our Kababayans in distress get the much needed repatriation the soonest. Pregnant women, PWDs and those with special needs are given due consideration to expedite their return home,” stated Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola.

The Department, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA), it’s Desk Officers and special repatriation unit, with the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, and the Regional Consular Office in Davao (DFA RCO Davao), made this repatriation effort of the Philippine government successful.

Other government agencies were also in full support upon arrival of the repatriates with the City Government of Davao leading the provision of ground assistance together with the DFA Regional Consular Office Davao, Department of Health, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Tourism.

“We send our appreciation to our partner agencies, especially to City Government of Davao, for the invaluable assistance to the repatriates upon their arrival. This is a clear example of whole-of-government approach that the administration promised in assisting our distressed OFs,” added Undersecretary Arriola.

In addition to their flight home, free quarantine facility and swab test provided by the government, all repatriates were able to receive USD200 as reintegration assistance in line with the instructions of President Duterte and as recommended by the DFA Secretary Locsin.

“We hope that the Php10,000 (USD200) cash assistance will help our kababayans to start anew here in our country, specially for those returning pregnant Filipinas from UAE,” concluded the Undersecretary.

Source:  https://www.facebook.com/OFWHelpPH