Overstaying Filipinos in United Arab Emirates (UAE) now have a chance to legalize their stay or go back to the Philippines without penalty by taking advantage of the ongoing amnesty program. This program though would only be available until February 4.

The secretary of Labor, Rosalinda Baldoz urged affected Filipinos to avail the amnesty that is given by the UAE government to its illegal residents. Gerry Suliguin, Philippine Vice Consul reminded Filipinos to mind the deadline set by the UAE government because no extension would happen after February 4.

Suliguin said, “If they are caught after February 4, they will be facing cases in accordance with the UAE laws and will be fined and penalized.”

The vice consul further said that the amnesty program that started last December 4 would not exempt anyone who fails to avail it before the set deadline.

After February 4, those who fail to apply for amnesty would be considered illegal by UAE officials and they may be prosecuted.

Suguin said that one can apply for amnesty at Al Aweer Follow Up and Investigation Center from 8am to 8pm. The center will accommodate male applicants from Sunday to Wednesday while female applicants can go from Sunday to Thursday.