ABU DHABI // As thousands of Filipinos remained stranded in neighbouring countries, the Philippines' ambassador stressed yesterday that only the UAE could decide who was entitled to visas and that its decisions should be respected.
But Libran Cabactulan, while acknowledging the authority of immigration authorities, told of worsening conditions for those waiting for visas in such locations as Buraimi, Oman.
He is hoping to discuss the crisis with government officials in the coming days. Among other things, Mr Cabactulan wants to know whether the clients of some travel agencies have been treated more favourably than others.
The Philippines Embassy is arranging a meeting for Mr Cabactulan with Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Minister of Interior, or the undersecretary. The ambassador noted that although a few of the stranded workers were based in Abu Dhabi, most were from Dubai, so he wanted to involve the federal government.
He said other diplomats would take up the matter with Dubai officials.
Some stranded workers have been granted new visit visas in the past few days. But thousands are still unable to re-enter the UAE because of a recently enacted law prohibiting their immediate return after brief trips, known as visa runs, to neighbouring countries.
"We would like to also know if a form of ranking among travel agencies exists," Mr Cabactulan said. "There are agencies which experience fast processing of visas, while others take a much longer time. Are there travel agencies of lower standing, and also banned agencies which are into subcontracting?"
The ambassador said he asked the travel agencies that handle visa applications to provide a list of urgent cases. "We have humanitarian cases, which include a grandmother being stuck in Buraimi and that of a mother whose visa application was rejected while her child's visa was approved."
Mr Cabactulan also asked the agencies to tell their clients it would take at least a month before visa applications were processed. "I've asked them to extend assistance to stranded Filipinos by providing food, negotiating room rates with hotels in Oman and Iran, and, in critical situations, repatriating Filipinos who really need to return to the Philippines," he said.
Mr Cabactulan said the representatives of travel agencies he met last Sunday had not yet told him how many Filipinos left Oman and Iran during the Eid holidays. "We would have a clear picture this Sunday. By that time, we can prepare for our meetings with the UAE authorities."
Immigration officials have repeatedly warned that people from all but 33 exempt nations can no longer expect to renew their visas on quick runs, but thousands continue to overwhelm hotels in border towns.
rruiz@thenational.ae
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Napoleon
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2)
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The%20specs
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The%20specs
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