OFWs apprehensive over UAE's impending restriction on foreign workers

MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are apprehensive over reports that the government of the United Arab Emirates will soon restrict the entry of non-professional foreign workers, including OFWs.

Migrante International yesterday expressed fear that the stricter immigration rules could lead to the arrest of many Filipinos currently employed in UAE.

“While the UAE government’s intentions are understandable, this recent development may further criminalize undocumented migrant workers and discriminate against OFWs,” Migrante chairman Garry Martinez said in a statement.

Martinez called on the Philippine government to exert efforts to stop the rampant illegal recruitment and human trafficking of Filipino workers, mostly household service workers, to the UAE.

He issued the call following reports that UAE plans to ban foreign electricians, pipe fitters, masons, farmers, drivers, tailors and cleaners from applying for tourist visas. The move is supposedly intended to curb the influx of undocumented workers.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is verifying the report.

A labor official, who requested anonymity, said a UAE official has reportedly denied the report.

“Based on a UAE newspaper, the report was inaccurate and baseless,” the labor official said.

According to Martinez, the new policy would only aggravate the illegal recruitment and trafficking of OFWs from the Philippines if the government will not do its part.

“For as long as illegal recruitment/human trafficking is a thriving industry in the Philippines in which perpetrators and government coddlers remain unpunished, desperate Filipino workers will continue to be victimized, with or without stricter visa rules,” he said.

Martinez said many Filipinos are opting to work abroad because the government could not provide them high paying and decent employment.