Pinoy helpers in UAE face vacation trip delay over exit clearance

Filipina household helpers in the United Arab Emirates who want to go home for the Holy Week and summer (dry season) may face long delays in getting clearances at the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi, a UAE news site reported Thursday.

Employers of the Filipino housemaids are complaining about the long waiting period for the exit clearance or overseas workers travel permit, Gulf News reported.

“My maid had to visit the embassy twice last week but could not get a form. The queue was that big,” said an Emirati sponsor.

He said his helper had to wait "more than three hours for her turn.”

Some domestic helpers had to line up outside the embassy premises as early as 6 a.m., the report added.

Another sponsor said his helper waited from 7 a.m. until noon to get the travel clearance.

The clearance is a requirement for OFWs to return to the UAE after vacationing in the Philippines. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

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