A Filipino domestic helper is appealing for help from the government after she was forced to stay in Dubai by her employer even though her contract already ended.
According to Angel Calayag, her employer refused to allow her to leave despite knowing that her employment contract already expired in March this year.
“Sabi nila, hindi nila sinusunod ‘yung March. Sinusunod po nila ‘yung visa, Aug. 3. Tapos na rin po ‘yung visa ko,” says Angel.
“Tapos andami nga pong dahilan kesyo sa ticket mahal, wala daw biyahe. Ayun nga po madami pong dahilan.”
Angel is now working for two years and 6 months with the same employer in Dubai. According to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Hans Leo Cacdac they are willing to help the Filipina and a welfare officer from their office is already coordinating with Angel. She is also set to be included in the next repatriation flight.
“Okay pa tayo sa ngayon [dahil nasa grace period pa] at isasaayos ang iyong pagpapauwi sa lalong madaling panahon,” says Cacdac.
According to Angel, she is frightened because this is his first time to work outside the country.
“Yan ang ipapayo ko sa kaniya, make sure dumaan ka sa lehitimong recruitment agency. Kung hindi mo nakikita ang POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) at OWWA sa proseso ng pagpapaalis mo sa susunod, huwag kang umalis ng bansa,” says Cacdac.
Source ABS-CBN
