DAVAO CITY – Migrant rights group Migrante urges all undocumented overseas Filipino workers in Oman to avail of the government amnesty.
Oman’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM) officially announced a three-month amnesty period for all undocumented migrants starting on May 3 to July 30. Upon registration, undocumented migrants can avail of a travel permit to their country of origin without penalty or any fine.
Migrante regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona in a statement on Thursday said the amnesty “is an opportunity for the migrants who have been asking and requesting for help on their repatriation without penalty”.
The group estimated not less than 3,000 undocumented OFWs in Oman. Some 150,000 OFWs are working in Oman.
While the group appreciated the granting of amnesty for all undocumented migrants by the Sultanate of Oman, Monterona however, expressed concern that not all has the means to support their repatriation.
“Undocumented OFWs are in deplorable situation with no regular job, if not, actually with no job at all for months or even years. So how could they raise an amount for their airfare and other expenses related to amnesty formalities?” Monterona said.
He added that Philippine government assistance is still needed.
“Information dissemination about Oman amnesty is a must but issuance of a guideline how to avail is also a big help. And this should come from the concerned Philippine embassy and labor officials in Oman after they’ve got all relevant information about the amnesty,” Monterona said.
Monterona also pointed out that mechanism should be put in place for those who do not have the means to provide their own airfare.
One-way flight Oman to Manila ticket cost is around Php 25,000.
