27 Filipinos in UAE die from COVID-19

Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes confirmed that 23 Filipinos in Dubai have died from COVID-19.

Four other Filipino nationals died of COVID-19 in the capital Abu Dhabi, according to Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana.

The UAE government provides free hospitalization and treatment to anyone, including Filipinos, who tests positive for COVID-19.

The consulate in Dubai has received around 1,500 requests for repatriation, prioritizing those with valid tourist or visitor visas.

OFWs who are still employed but wish to be repatriated will be sent home at their employers' expense.

The consulate, Filipino community, and Dubai police are providing food assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) under the 'no-work, no-pay' scheme.

As of Thursday, the DFA reported 434 cases of Filipinos in the Middle East/Africa testing positive for the virus, with 19 deaths, 36 recoveries, and 379 undergoing treatment.

The embassy remains ready to assist Filipinos in the Gulf state and advises the community to remain vigilant and observe protocols.