Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for pardoning 143 Filipino prisoners ¹. This humanitarian gesture is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries and a significant relief to the families of those pardoned.
The UAE's decision to grant clemency to the Filipino prisoners is a welcome development, especially given the challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region. Many OFWs have been sentenced to death or imprisonment for various crimes, and the UAE's pardon is a beacon of hope for those who have been separated from their loved ones ².
President Marcos's appreciation for the UAE's kindness is evident in his statement, where he expressed his gratitude for the "generous pardon of 143 Filipinos, which has brought relief to many families" ¹. He also acknowledged the UAE's humanitarian aid in the wake of recent typhoons and floods that struck the Philippines.
The Philippines and the UAE have a long history of cooperation, with the UAE being one of the top destinations for OFWs. The UAE is home to over 600,000 Filipinos, who contribute significantly to the country's economy ¹. The UAE's pardon is a recognition of the valuable contributions made by Filipino workers and a testament to the strong bonds between the two nations.
*A History of Cooperation*
The UAE and the Philippines have a strong track record of cooperation in various fields, including labor, trade, and humanitarian efforts. The UAE has consistently provided support to the Philippines in times of need, including providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters ¹.
In 2023, the UAE pardoned three Filipinos who were sentenced to death for drug trafficking ². This gesture was seen as a significant development in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
*A Beacon of Hope*
The UAE's pardon of 143 Filipino prisoners is a beacon of hope for those who have been separated from their loved ones. It is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries and a recognition of the valuable contributions made by Filipino workers.
As President Marcos stated, "The Philippines and the UAE share strong bonds, rooted in the values and aspirations of our peoples" ¹. This gesture is a significant step forward in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
References:
¹ Marcos thanks UAE president for pardon of 143 Filipinos
² 3 Filipinos get ‘humanitarian pardon’ in UAE; PBBM grateful
³ President Marcos Thanks UAE for Pardoning 143 Filipino Convicts, Strengthens Bilateral Ties
*Filipino Population in Dubai: A Growing Community*
Dubai, a cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is home to a diverse population of expatriates from around the world. Among the largest and most vibrant communities in Dubai is the Filipino population.
*Current Population Figures*
According to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, there are approximately 679,819 Filipinos living and working in the UAE, with the majority residing in Dubai [1]. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, driven by the UAE's booming economy and the Philippines' strong tradition of overseas labor migration.
*Breakdown of Filipino Population in Dubai*
While there is no official breakdown of the Filipino population in Dubai, estimates suggest that:
- *60%* of Filipinos in Dubai are female, primarily working as domestic workers, nurses, and hospitality staff [2].
- *40%* are male, working in various sectors such as construction, finance, and logistics [2].
- *50%* of Filipinos in Dubai are between the ages of 25-34, while *25%* are between 35-44 [3].
*Employment and Industries*
Filipinos in Dubai work in various industries, including:
- *Domestic Work*: 30% of Filipinos in Dubai work as domestic workers, including housekeepers, nannies, and drivers [2].
- *Healthcare*: 20% work in the healthcare sector, including nurses, doctors, and medical technicians [2].
- *Hospitality*: 15% work in the hospitality industry, including hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides [2].
*Challenges and Opportunities*
Despite the many opportunities available to Filipinos in Dubai, there are also challenges that the community faces. These include homesickness, cultural adjustment, and the risk of exploitation by unscrupulous employers [3]. However, the Philippine government and various community organizations are working to address these issues and provide support to Filipinos in Dubai.
References:
[1] Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. (n.d.). Filipino Community in the UAE.
[2] Gulf News. (2020). Filipino expats in UAE: A growing community.
[3] The Filipino Times. (2022). Filipino population in UAE reaches 679,819.
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