3,000 stranded OFWs back in Dubai
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/29/2008 7:04 PM
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Almost half of over 6,000 Filipinos stranded in Oman and Iran have returned to Dubai after receiving their 30-day visas, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau reported Monday.
According to the Philippine embassy in the United Arab Emirates, 2,000 Filipinos who were stranded in Iran and 1,000 more from Oman have traveled back to Dubai.
However, thousands are still stuck in the two countries with dozens of them forced to stay in cramped hotel rooms.
Dindo Amparo, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau chief, reported that one of those stranded was a 63-year-old woman identified only as “Carmelita”. She has been staying in a hotel for almost one month.
"Ayun, araw-araw ganun lagi, malungkot, para kaming preso dito," said Carmelita, as she described the conditions while waiting for the renewal of their visas.
Many workers were denied re-entry to Dubai following changes in its visa policy.
Another stranded Filipino in Oman has appealed to authorities to help them return to Dubai.
"Kung meron sanang mga kinauukulan na makatulong sa amin na makabalik kahit one month lang ng Dubai," the woman who declined to be named said.
Philippine embassy officials said they are doing everything to solve the crisis. With ANC's Take One
