The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today advised overseas Filipino workers seeking or returning to their jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to check on the validity of their passports to avoid delay, which could adversely affect their employment in the Emirates.
Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the UAE government has issued new rules concerning the validity of passports of expatriates and visitors in the Emirates.
In line with the rules, Roque said the Philippine passport must be valid for not less than six months if the OFWs have no UAE residence permit. If the OFWs hold a UAE special entry permit or an employment visa, their Philippine passports must be valid for not less than three months.
The DOLE Chief said that without valid passports, OFWs will not be granted a UAE entry permit or entry visa, which they need in order to enter the emirates and also return to the home country or any country, which issued their passports.
An entry visa indicates the approval to be made on the OFW or visitor's passport/travel document, allowing him or her to enter the UAE.
This visa can be issued by a UAE embassy or consulate in the country of the person who is applying for the entry visa. It can also be issued by the Naturalization and Residency Department in the UAE.
An entry permit is a special document issued to expatriates allowing them to enter UAE. It is issued only by the Emirates' Naturalization and Residency Department.
Roque said OFWs working in the UAE whether alone or accompanied by their families should follow the rules set by the UAE government concerning visas and entry permits to avoid problems that may hinder their jobs in the Emirates.
He told the OFWs to ensure that their passports are valid adding that those with expiring passports may apply for renewal with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City or at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. (PNA)
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