I am an OFW in the United Arab Emirates, where a travel ban has been imposed. I am humbly asking for help to look into the condition of the OFWs stranded in this country and wishing to go home to the Philippines.
Many have already finished their contracts, and even if plane tickets are very expensive and difficult to buy, they have done their best to purchase these so they can can go home to the Philippines to be with their families.
The travel ban has been in place for one and a half months. Prior to that, there were already flight cancellations. To survive here everyday is not easy. We have to pay for our rent, food, and fines such as visa
extension penalties, and deal with the mental stress that most OFWs are facing right now.
We completely understand that the IATF wants to ensure the safety of Filipinos. But there appears to be no plan for exiting OFWs. Repatriation flights, according to the embassy, would take three to six months, and those who opt for this cannot come back as an OFW anymore.
We are also Filipinos. Almost everyone here is completely vaccinated and is being tested every two weeks. Please help us to be heard, because we feel neglected. Please help us go home.
Gladys Joy Manuel, gladys.manuel@yahoo.com