97 undocumented Pinoys return home from UAE

Close to 100 undocumented Filipinos arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Wednesday after availing of the amnesty granted by the United Arab Emirates government.

A report by Super Radyo dzBB's Mao Dela Cruz on Dobol B sa News TV said the 97 repatriates were welcomed by officials and personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The latest batch of undocumented Filipinos arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 at 9:30 a.m. via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 657 from Dubai.

Consul General Paul Raymond Cortez said the 97 comprised the third batch of undocumented Filipinos from Dubai and the Northern Emirates who took advantage of the UAE's amnesty program.

The DFA, through the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs, shouldered the exit fines and other penalties, airline tickets to Manila and to the respective provinces of the repatriates.

The DFA also provided each of the repatriates with financial assistance amounting to P5,000 upon their arrival.

Cortez encouraged qualified Filipinos to avail themselves of the amnesty program, vowing assistance from the Consulate General and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. —KBK, GMA News