Filipino expatriates in the UAE are concerned about potential issues upon their return due to new travel guidelines released by the Philippines’ Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat). These guidelines, set to take effect on September 3, have left many Filipino workers concerned about potential issues when they return to the UAE after visiting their home country.
The Iacat guidelines state that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to their work country may be asked to present additional documents like a certificate of employment, job contract, or pay slip, along with the mandatory overseas employment certificate (OEC) required by Philippine immigration. While these measures aim to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking, some Filipino expats, like Dubai-based Maricris, find them confusing. Maricris questions the need to show documents already submitted for obtaining an OEC, expressing confusion about the phrase ‘if necessary’ in the guidelines.
Filipino question why they need to show documents that are already part of the OEC process. Legal experts argue that the regulations are excessively restrictive and suggest finding alternative ways to achieve the same objective without infringing on individual rights and freedoms.
