How to Apply Repatriation in UAE to Philippines?

Repatriation is a process through which a Filipino travels overseas with the help of a travel agent or insurance company. The ultimate goal of repatriation is to ensure that the bereaved can be united with the remains of their loved ones. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need about how to apply repatriation in UAE to Philippines eligibility, types of repatriation and fees involved. And if you plan on travelling overseas, it’s ideal to do so with a travel insurance policy. While repatriation in UAE is a process, it is a precaution to take before travelling overseas.

What is the Repatriation Process?

What is the Repatriation Process

  • Repatriation begins with completing a Pre-Departure form at an overseas labor office.
  • This form contains essential details of the repatriates, their passport numbers, and their itinerary.
  • Once the pre-department form is submitted, a repatriation authority will be assigned to oversee the repatriates’ travel to the airport and assist with immigration formalities at the airport.
  • The travel documents issued by Overseas Labor Office (OLO) will be made available to them.
  • After passing immigration, they will board a chartered flight at the airport.
  • On arrival in the Philippines, they will be assisted by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). It will coordinate with OWWA and other government agencies for medical examination and handling of documents.

The cost of the air ticket will be borne by OWWA, while POLO will handle medical cases of repatriates from Abu Dhabi and Bahay Kalinga in Dubai.

OWWA shoulders the cost of tickets for pregnant OFWs, those with medical cases, housed at Bahay Kalinga in Abu Dhabi and Bahay Kalinga in Dubai, among others.

What Are the Types of Repatriation?

  • There are three types of repatriation: voluntary repatriation, involuntary repatriation, and special repatriation.
  • Voluntary repatriation is when a worker returns home on their own accord.
  • Involuntary repatriation occurs when workers are forced to leave the country against their will due to economic reasons such as a layoff or termination of the contract.
  • Special repatriation refers to cases where workers who have been involuntarily deported and want to return should apply for administrative reconsideration at an overseas labour card office before departure from the Philippines.

Who is Eligible for Repatriation?

Eligibility for Repatriation

Filipino citizens can reclaim their Philippine citizenship through Republic Act (RA) No. 9225 or the “Repatriation law.” The repatriation law covers both overseas workers and seafarers and outlines the requirements for each group.

  • Overseas Filipino Workers, both active and non-active, can claim a repatriation program.
  • Required documents for repatriation are the Passport of the deceased, Local death certificate, Embalming certificate, Freedom from infection certificate, Permission to bring the person out of the country, and Permit for the destination if required.
  • For those applying for repatriation through a government agency, a passport with a deceased’s photo should be submitted with the other documents mentioned above.
  • A passport and other required documents may also be presented for applicants seeking repatriation through a private agency or non-government organization (NGO).
  • The applicant must submit documents showing the fact of their naturalization as a citizen of a foreign country.

Is a Repatriation Ticket Mandatory in UAE?

  • Repatriation to the Philippines from the UAE requires filling out several ATN forms, photocopies of the UAE visa and Passport, and a medical health certificate.
  • Priority for repatriation flights is given to medical patients, pregnant women, families with children, and those with expired/expiring UAE visas.
  • Visa renewal is not available if it is valid for six months.
  • The repatriation charge varies depending on the airline company used.
  • All Filipino UAE residents must possess a valid travel document issued by the Philippine government or its authorized agency before boarding a flight back home.
  • Repatriation flights will be scheduled according to the DFA announcement.

How Much Are Repatriation Fees?

The repatriation charge of Dh8,000 to Dh30,000 is a standard price range. However, repatriation companies claim that Pakistan is the only nation that gives free passes to citizens who die in the UAE. So it might range from Dh8,000 to Dh30,000 for other expatriates.

How to Apply Repatriation in UAE to Philippines?

Filipinos in UAE or transiting through the Emirates to the Philippines must secure all travel documents, such as medical certificates and fit-to-travel documents.

  • To apply for repatriation, applicants must submit an authorization form to the Philippine Embassy in UAE from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
  • Those with lost passports must file a police report and renew passports.
  • All passengers arriving from international destinations in the Philippines must follow a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
  • Other repatriation procedures include submitting a repatriation envelope with one’s name labelled ‘ATN Repat’.
  • Filipinos in the Emirates are advised to note down the passport number of their airline or travel agent before travelling abroad to facilitate the process of applying for repatriation.
  • All repatriation documents and a passport-sized photo must be submitted to the embassy.

The Philippines does not sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. As such, persons requiring special assistance or accommodation while in transit will likely not receive it from airlines or tour operators. If you need any help during your repatriation process, please do not hesitate to contact an embassy representative for assistance.

How Long Does the Repatriation Process Take?

  • The repatriation process timeframes depend on local authorities issuing necessary documents and flight availability.
  • You should contact the embassy or consulate of the country you were detained in to determine the repatriation requirements.
  • The process is organized as quickly as possible after release by local authorities.
  • Repatriation processing time can take several weeks, depending on the situation and country.
  • Different countries have different repatriation processes so the timeline can vary.
  • The process involves a thorough medical examination, documentation of personal belongings, report of arrest and travel details, and processing at immigration.
  • Once the repatriation process is complete, a release note will be issued by immigration that certifies a detainee has been released to return home. It also includes a list of documents required for travel abroad, such as a Passport, visa, and air ticket.

What is the Disadvantage of Repatriation?

What is the Disadvantage of Repatriation

  • Repatriation can be disadvantageous because the expatriates may lose their jobs and homes.
  • The repatriated person may start from scratch in a new country. This cannot be easy, as the new environment and lifestyle may differ from what was familiar at home.
  • Tax laws may differ in the new country, making it challenging to earn a living. This will lead to confusion and frustration.
  • If a repatriate’s Passport is confiscated or destroyed, they could lose their international travel rights. As a result, they could become isolated and experience culture shock and loneliness.
  • A repatriate’s social security benefits or health care could be cut off due to immigration restrictions. This could leave them without access to vital services when they need them most.

As a general rule of thumb, anyone considering repatriation should first consult a professional who understands the immigration and repatriation laws of their home country(s).

How Do You Prepare a Body for Repatriation?

Before repatriating a body, it’s essential to identify the deceased. You can do a few things to make this process easier, such as contacting relatives and friends of the person and asking them to identify the body. You can also take a photo of the deceased to visualize who they are before they are cremated or buried. Additionally, you should contact the local government office or a healthcare provider where the person passed away to tell them of your intentions and ask for any necessary documents.

Once you’ve done all of this, it’s time to prepare the body for repatriation. To begin with, you’ll need to remove foreign objects, clothing, and jewellery from the body. Afterwards, you can wrap the body in a funeral shroud and place it in a box or bag. Once done, you should ship the body home using a licensed transport service.

Notably, suppose you plan on repatriating a deceased person abroad. In that case, you must follow all of the appropriate steps outlined above to ensure that your loved one receives a dignified funeral and repatriation back home.

Conclusion

Dying in a foreign country can be a challenging and emotional experience, regardless of whether or not you’ve lived there. However, having the option to choose how your remains are treated at the end of your life can make it easier. This is especially true when travel is possible, and a body repatriation service is in place. By planning and researching what options are available to you, you can reduce the stress of dealing with these issues. Keep reading to learn more about preparing a body for repatriation.

FAQ – How to Apply Repatriation in UAE to Philippines?

Who is responsible for the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers?

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is responsible for repatriating Filipino workers from abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), OWWA Repatriation Assistance Division (OWWA RAD), Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), and Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) are all involved in the repatriation process. OWWA shoulders the cost of the chartered flight and assists such as airport assistance, temporary shelter at the OWWA Halfway Home, psychosocial counselling, stress debriefing, and transport services or fares for their travel to their respective provinces.

Does repatriation cost money?

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides repatriation assistance free of charge. This program includes airport assistance, packed food, free transportation to a quarantine facility, free quarantine accommodations, and temporary accommodation at the OWWA Halfway House.

In addition, repatriation assistance offers psychosocial therapy, stress debriefing, and travel fare for onward travel to their respective provinces. Therefore, repatriation costs no money for the distressed OFW.

How long does it take to repatriate a body from Dubai?

It typically takes around two weeks to repatriate a body from Dubai. To expedite the process, you must provide documentation such as the death certificate, police report, and autopsy results. Additional fees may be associated with repatriating a body, so it’s important to have an estimate of these costs before starting the process.

What are the benefits of repatriation?

benefits of repatriation

The benefits of repatriation can vary depending on the individual, but in general, repatriation assistance programs provide airport assistance, including packed food and free transportation to quarantine facilities. OFWs are provided with temporary accommodation at OWWA Halfway House and psychosocial therapy. Repatriation assistance programs also offer fares for onward travel to their respective provinces. Stress debriefing is offered to those in need. Free quarantine accommodation is available.

What is a certificate of repatriation?

A certificate of repatriation is a document proving that you are returning to the UAE and can be used as confirmation when arriving there. It must be presented when you arrive in the UAE, regardless of whether you are returning on a visa.

When should you begin planning for repatriation?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each person’s situation will differ. However, starting as soon as you know you are moving to the UAE would be a good idea. Then, you can check with the embassy or consulate of the Philippines in your country to find out what documentation is required.

Some key documents needed for repatriation include your Passport, visa, residency card, etc. Keeping these documents safe and secure while you are in the UAE is important. In addition, repatriation can be complex and time-consuming, so having a plan will help make the process smoother.

What is the difference between expatriate and repatriate?

The terms “expatriate” and “repatriate” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. An expatriate is a foreign national who has left their home country to live in another country. On the other hand, a repatriate is someone who has returned home after living abroad for some time.

How is repatriation calculated?

The amount of money you will receive for repatriation is based on several factors, including the length of your stay in the UAE and how much you have earned while living there. The government also considers any taxes you may have paid while living in the UAE.

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