Filipino amnesty beneficiaries fly home with fond memories
THEY EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO UAE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK AND SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES
Sapia Salik said goodbye to the UAE — her home for 10 years — yesterday with no regrets after overstaying for nine years. Her homecoming is her surprise to her family and she can’t wait to start her business back home.
“Despite being an illegal for nine years, I worked hard to provide for my family. I lived in fear, but all that pales in comparison to what I consider as my greatest blessing during my stay here: To be able to send my elderly parents to perform Haj,” Salik, 30, who hails from North Cotabato, told Gulf News.
“I also supported my two siblings’ education. I am excited to open my school supplies business back home.”
Salik was one of 100 Filipino amnesty-seekers, including six minors, repatriated yesterday. This was the first such mass repatriation carried out by the Philippine government as a result of the UAE’s three-month amnesty programme.
Repatriates were grateful for the help the Philippine government extended to them, including the $100 (Dh367) welfare assistance handed out at the airport. Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes was on hand to oversee the final documentation.
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Quietly sitting in a corner was Crispina Jamero, who worked as a maid and overstayed for five years. Working as a part-time cleaner helped her pay for her two daughters’ education. “My eldest daughter graduated this year and garnered the seventh spot in the criminologist licensure exam last June,” the proud ■ ■ mother said, tears running down her cheeks. “My youngest is also graduating from college this year,” she said.
“I had planned to surrender in February ... This is God’s birthday gift for me for all my labour as I turn 55 this month. I will happily retire in the Philippines and take care of my first grandson ■ who is seven months old.”
Another proud mother, Wevenia Nama, 55, said she is grateful to the UAE for giving her the opportunity to work here for 20 years. She worked without papers for five years.
“I was able to build a small house where I will retire. My meagre income also helped support my child’s education. I’m grateful; it was a challenging yet wonderful time,” he said.
New life also awaits Rosemen and her three children who are half-Filipino and halfPakistani. ■ Rosemen’s three kids aged 12, 10, and 9, have never been to the Philippines but they’re excited to make friends and start school soon.
Three-year-old Clyde is also flying home with his dad. The toddler overstayed his visa for two years after his parents lost their jobs.
“He’s going home and start school. He will also celebrate his fourth birthday on August 23 in the Philippines. This amnesty is God’s birthday gift to my son,” Clyde’s mother said.