Distressed Filipinos in Dubai get early Christmas treat

  DUBAI – Nearly 200 distressed Filipinos who have sought refuge at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Dubai were given an early Christmas treat from Chicking on Tuesday (December 17). Many of the women, totaling 176, have taken shelter in the premises for days after fleeing from what they claimed were abusive employers and unfair treatment at work. They are waiting for their turn to be repatriated to the Philippines. A group of more than 20 were reportedly repatriated that day. “It’s been a while since someone else made us smile,” a woman said in Filipino as she took a forkful of Chicking spaghetti with fried chicken, two of Chicking’s most popular items, particularly with Filipinos. A Chicking executive, who spoke to one of the women, told expatmedia.net that they had simple Christmas gift requests, with one of the women saying all she needed was a suitcase. “We know that with Christmas approaching, it would be difficult for these Filipinos to feel the holiday cheer away from their families. This is why we at Chicking would like to offer them this small treat that will hopefully make their day a little brighter,” the Chicking executive said, adding that it was Chicking's way of “giving back to the Filipino community who have always supported Chicking”. The women were also treated to prizes and games from other sponsors, including the Filipino Institute, Kabayan Jewellery, Philippine National Bank and Clover Medical Center. PIA/Expat Media

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