PHL envoy to UAE warns Pinoys vs working illegally

The recent arrest of 120 Filipinos caught trying to work illegally in a mall in Dubai prompted a Philippine official in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to remind Filipinos against working there illegally. Philippine Consul-General in Dubai Benito Valeriano said the warning especially applies to visit visa-holders, runaways, and those who are overstaying. “They should be very careful and conscious about the rules regarding employment in the UAE and should refrain from seeking employment," Valeriano said in an article posted on news site Khaleej Times Wednesday. If they are offered a job, Filipinos should verify the work contract with and get advice from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), Valeriano advised. He said those caught working illegally can be jailed. Meanwhile, Philippine authorities in the UAE are working to help the 120 Filipinos detained for working illegally. Authorities said most of the 120 people arrested were on visit visas and overstaying. They are now at an immigration detention cell in Al Aweer. - VVP, GMA News