The Philippine Embassy has issued a statement clarifying the UAE government’s recent announcement regarding the temporary flights made available for foreign nationals who wish to return in their respective countries.
The Embassy statement noted that the decision only applies to Filipino crew members of ships who got stranded in UAE after all flights were suspended.
PH Embassy Clarifies UAE Govt’s Statement Regarding Temporary Flights for Foreign Nationals
According to the Philippine Embassy, it is currently arranging the repatriation of Filipino crew members stranded in the UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Moreover, the statement noted, “The Embassy is already working on the repatriation of Filipino crew members currently stranded in their respective ships docked in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and is coordinating with UAE authorities for them to be allowed to disembark and take chartered flights being arranged for them by their employers through local manning agencies.”
Also, the POLO-OWWA explained that in cases such as this, the employers are to be held responsible for their employees’ repatriation, as stated in their contract.
Regarding this issue, the Philippine Embassy said the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely coordinating with them regarding the cases of stranded Filipino nationals and these cases are subject to compliance with both Philippine and UAE laws and regulations, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon arrival in the Philippines being coordinated with DOH and OWWA.
Also, the Embassy pointed out that the repatriation program for distressed OFWs is currently suspended until further notice due to the suspension of flights in the country.
“With regard to the Embassy’s program of repatriation for those with visa problems, immigration offenses, and victims of illegal recruitment, this has been put on hold due to the suspension of exit pass processing and above-cited stoppage of UAE flights” the statement noted.
Furthermore, the Embassy said that the repatriation is also subject to the availability of funds.
The Philippine Embassy also clarified that the decision to allow temporary flights for foreign nationals only applies to Filipino crew members of ships who got stranded in the UAE after all flights were suspended.
Meanwhile, for those who need help with their exit pass processing may contact the embassy through these numbers: +971508584968 or +971508963089, or email the ATN section of the Philippine Embassy in the UAE via atn.abudhabi@gmail.com.
Earlier this week, the Philippine Embassy has announced that it is waiving any fine or penalty across 4 major visa types (residence, entry permits, visit or tourist visas, and work), as the validity of these documents will be extended until December 2020.
These are just some of the efforts the UAE government is doing to aid residents in coping with the coronavirus pandemic which has affected all sectors of society.
Meanwhile, the UAE government in partnership with the Philippine Embassy is keenly enforcing its campaign to keep all residents at home and to remain safe as the country continues to sustain its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus within communities.
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