Paralysed expat stuck in UAE with blood money debt to return home after 32 years
The Philippines government and local residents who offered support enabled a paralysed Filipino expat who has been stuck in Sharjah for more than thirty years to return home from the UAE because of an unpaid blood money debt.
Ernesto Arnel Tawat aged 70 will soon go back to the Philippines after being unable to return for 32 years.
The Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers intervened to assist his repatriation while DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met with his family in Dubai to personally promise full support last week.
The series of events that led to Tawat’s suffering started in 2006 due to an accident which burdened him with a blood money debt of Dh203,000. Despite paying Dh110,000 through the years he remained trapped in the UAE due to the outstanding Dh93,000 debt. His paralysis affected one side of his body while his family endured hardships due to their daughter Tina’s limited earnings.
Several residents offered their assistance in December 2024. The collective efforts of several residents alongside the Philippine government's support enabled full payment of outstanding expenses such as travel fees and medical bills and provided financial assistance for Teresa, his wife.
Tina brings the story to light. She expressed her gratitude by saying that her life transformed because of what you did.
Tina grew up in the UAE and dedicated her life to supporting her family financially. Financial difficulties forced her to leave university so she could work several jobs to support both her paralyzed father and Teresa her mother.
During a previous discussion, she explained her lifetime experience of constant struggle.
My career began during my teenage years. She spent her entire life in the UAE where each day meant fighting to survive. My father's needs prevented me from ever contemplating my personal ambitions.
The Philippine government intervention allows Tina to finally experience relief. Officials have promised to cover both travel and medical expenses as well as long-term care for Ernesto after his arrival while also potentially supporting Teresa in establishing her own food business in the Philippines.
The DMW officials stated that Ernesto and Teresa will travel back within the coming two weeks. In the Philippines my parents will gain additional support. Tina expressed her gratitude by saying that none of these outcomes would have happened without your help.
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