
Repatriation of 220 OFWs pardoned by UAE pushed
OFW Party-List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino appealed to the government to immediately repatriate the 220 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) recently pardoned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
She stressed the need for robust support systems for incarcerated Filipinos abroad to rebuild their lives and regain dignity.
The pardon, granted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in honor of the UAE’s 53rd National Day on December 2, 2024, involved OFWs convicted of various offenses, including drug-related cases, theft, and immigration violations like absconding and overstaying.
Magsino credited the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the UAE, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its close coordination with UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The strong ties between the two countries was also bolstered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the country last November.
Reports said that through the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, the UAE government is covering the cost of deportation, including airfare.
However, only 67 of the pardoned OFWs have received travel documents thus far. Others are still facing unresolved civil cases that impose travel bans according to the Department of Migrant Workers.
Magsino underscored the urgent need for a holistic reintegration program for the pardoned workers.
She emphasized that the government’s responsibility does not end with their return but extends to rebuilding their lives and ensuring they can reintegrate into society.
As part of the OFW Party-list’s legislative efforts, Magsino filed House Bill No. 11130, which seeks to establish an Integrated Reintegration Program for OFWs returning under any circumstance, regardless of their status or situation.
Magsino also backed Senate President Chiz Escudero’s call to negotiate Treaties on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TTSP) with countries hosting large OFW populations. Such treaties would allow incarcerated OFWs to serve their sentences in the Philippines, closer to their families, fostering both rehabilitation and emotional support.