Filipinos in UAE cry foul over Philippine entry ban DUBAI – Filipinos in the UAE took to social media to cry foul on the Philippine-imposed entry ban on all travelers coming from the UAE beginning on Saturday (May 15). The entry ban also extends to all travelers from Oman and will be enforced until May 31, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Thursday (May 13). Roque’s announcement, which was also posted on his official Facebook page, has gotten more than 500 comments as of Saturday. The announcement drew mixed reactions from people, with some praising the government for imposing safety measures amid the pandemic. “Tama po para iwas Covid-19 (It’s the right move to avoid Covid-19). Safety first, use health protocol,” said Samuel Vallefas. Many returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), however, said the entry ban is a disservice to Filipinos, particularly those stuck in the UAE with expired or cancelled visas. “Maawa naman kayo sa mga OFW dito sa UAE, paulit ulit na cancel ang flight. Maraming OFW dito na overstay, ang iba walang pambayad ng fine (Have pity on OFWs in the UAE who has had flights cancelled. A lot of OFWs here have overstayed their visa and can’t afford to pay the fine),” said Louie Tubera. The sentiment was echoed by Di (full name withheld), who said it was a shame that Filipinos in trouble in the UAE can’t return to their own country. “Will you shoulder our fine if we extend our stay here?” Tricia Pornebo asked, referring to the case of Filipinos whose visas have been cancelled after losing their job in the UAE. Many lamented that the entry ban was imposed abruptly, adding that their flights were booked months in advance yet cancelled in just a snap after the announcement. “At least you could have given a 7-day notice period. This makes me cry!” Jacklynne Lambino said in Filipino. Phoebe Sapo Babala expressed frustration after her flight from the UAE was rescheduled twice before being cancelled on May 14. “I need to get my baby in the Philippines,” Babala said. Mary May Cinco also expressed “disappointment” over the entry ban. Cinco said her husband was due to return home from Abu Dhabi on May 16 to celebrate the birthdays of their one-year-old baby and their 7-year-old child. Cinco called for consideration against the ban, saying her husband is already vaccinated. “It is not easy for us with OFW family members who have been away for a long time,” she added. Prince, another OFW in the UAE, said he was due to fly home in May. “Most of us can’t afford to stay here any longer here due to many reasons and I think those reasons are enough for you to reconsider the decision to exclude us OFWs from the entry ban,” Prince said. “Some of my fellow OFWs couldn’t even afford to pay rent or to pay for a daily meals and just waiting for their flight to go home, some of them don’t have a job, only have an expired visa flight to stop the daily fines from overstaying,” he added. Irish Munchkin and Lyka Soterio said vaccinated OFWs from the UAE should be allowed to return to the Philippines. “It doesn't make sense that you are easing the restrictions in Manila and other provinces but you are not allowing OFWs who are scheduled to return home this month,” Munchkin said. Lhei Jimenez Maderazo was among several OFWs who called for exemptions for returning Filipinos who are pregnant, with chronic health conditions, or with expired visas. Presidential Spokesperson Roque has said the decision to impose a temporary entry ban on all travelers from UAE and Oman was taken upon the recommendation of the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs. PIA/Expat Media
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