When Mark and Me moved to our new flat, we have decided to subscribe to Orbit channel instead of TFC. Yes, the price may be twice as much as what TFC might have charged us but we prefered to have access to other international channels as well like CNN, super movies, classic movies and of course, our beloved disney channels. So naturally, the news about the stranded OFWs in Oman and Iran did not reach us. Whether it did not reach us because we were in Germany when it was aired or whether it was not aired in 24-oras at all is beyond me. I can only assume that since ABS-CBN claims exclusivity of the news, and the fact that our housemaid who closely monitors the news and tells them to us even before we get to watch the replay has not mentioned anything means that GMA hasn't covered at all.
I only found out about the crazy situation through my cousin who is a TFC subscriber. Somewhat curious, I decided to visit abs-cbn website and I found this article. I have even watched a video where they have interviewed some UAE nationals, apparently potential sponsors who had indicated that the situation in Iran and Oman are pretty sad.
The Consulate officials are claiming that sufficient warning and advise have been given to the Filipino community in Dubai regarding the new visa rules and that they have advised these individuals whose visit visa had expired to rather go home and wait for their visas to be released and sent to the Philippiines. As far I am concerned, I don't live in the middle of nowhere with no access to any communications facility, so why, despite of having access to all local newspapers, news, both UAE and Philippines, all websites (which I am continously checking everyday) have we not found any announcement, warning or caution notice issued by the Philippine Consulate or embassy regarding the interpretation of the new rule. The article quotes one Consulate Personnel as to having warned Fillipinos on visit visa not to believe the news released on local newspaper that it is fine to exit on the neighboring countries for visa purposes. When and where they did that is beyond me.
On the other hand, in as much as I don't want to sound so damn pessimistic or vindictive, I am as well wondering how, for all their sanities, can these kabayans simply opt to exit in either Iran or Kish without checking in details the significant informations like the no. of days it would take to process the visa. It's the most basic information one should get before they choose to fly or go by bus to a place where they are supposed to go on a limited budget with no prospect of earning a single cent to meet their daily needs. And now that things gets f*(&%^up, they are quick to blame the government. Haven't we already established that our misplaced sense of trust to those sitting in consulate offices and embassies is what's getting OFWs into serious trouble. It's bad enough that when an individual in a Foreign land ventures in an uncalculated risk, however its definitely worst when their supposed saviour is a government office who directly violates immigration laws by hiring illegal immigrants as drivers resulting to a robbery within its walls. Of course, that's another different, pathetic, consulate story.
One who had worked long enough in the UAE could notice and say, that although the rules are changing every now and then, the key to our safety and the assurance of a trouble-free stay in Dubai or anywhere in the other Emirates is adherence to all its rules and policies. These people do not make exceptions. Their rules are simple and flat. Follow them and you'll be fine. One must never expect exemptions, let alone jump into a plane, fly into Iran or Oman without the guarantee of getting a visa within the time span expected and simply hope that the universe will play some magic tricks on the minds of immigration officials to convince them to create an exemption for Juan or Juana simply because they have an entire herd of brothers and sisters to feed, thereby appealing to pity. Such move and decision is ridiculous and is obviously a recipe for disaster.
As for those kabayans stranded in Iran and Oman, with the shortened ramadan timings and the Eid holidays coming up, I can only wish that lady luck is neither fasting, nor waiting for Iftar because they could sure use a quick response and help from her.
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