70-year-old UAE expat to fly back to Philippines on Thursday
At their Sharjah residence, Ernesto Arnel Tawat alongside his family captured the moment in front of the camera displaying uncertainty in their gaze. A Filipino expat who is now 70 years old has spent more than 30 years stranded in the UAE because of an unsettled blood money debt and had lost hope of ever going back home.
Ernesto and his wife Teresa now begin their long journey back to the Philippines while holding their flight tickets. Ernesto’s T-shirt displayed the word 'homecoming' as though fate had written that message for him.
Ernesto chuckled and said his T-shirt display was completely unplanned. The situation appears accidental yet it could be interpreted as meaningful. After waiting thirty-two years I am finally seeing this dream come true.
Their plane departs at 8pm on Thursday. Following his plight in December generous residents provided support while the Philippine government through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) took responsibility for all his outstanding travel and medical expenses. During a recent meeting in Dubai Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the DMW personally promised complete support to the family.
With two days left before their departure the couple finished all immigration formalities and completed their necessary paperwork and health checks. “Every step felt unreal," said Teresa. "For years, we were stuck. Now, everything is happening so fast.”
The recent days brought multiple overwhelming experiences to my attention. As we traveled to Ajman court to collect my parents’ passport Dad cried while watching the UAE's development from the van with consulate staff accompanying us. The progress of the world eluded him because he feared going outside. He spent years confined to his home but occasionally made trips to nearby locations.
The atmosphere is charged with both excitement and nervousness. Ernesto revealed that he had spent the majority of his life living in the UAE. I cannot say exactly how much things changed back home while I was away. I heard it’s becoming more crowded.”
For Tina, the moment is bittersweet. The thought of leaving my parents behind fills me with deep sadness but this journey represents the fulfillment of our lifelong dreams. Each challenge and period of uncertainty we encountered has brought us here.
She acknowledged the tremendous support received from community members. “The church stood by us. Both friends and strangers reached out to offer help while people whom we had never met also offered assistance. We are beyond grateful.”
With tears in her eyes Teresa proudly displayed their tickets. “This is a new beginning. Our return home marks a moment where we stand dignified instead of helpless.
One thing brings her comfort — her family. My brother is planning to meet us at the airport upon our arrival. She stated with hopefulness that after all these years she will have company when they arrive.
Ernesto confesses that belief in what is about to happen continues to elude him as the day approaches. Ernesto shared his belief that he would die without ever returning to his homeland. I will arrive back home within the next two days.
The Philippine Consulate along with the Tawats and their supportive readers brought about their return.Teresa said through tears that their support provided them with a brighter future.
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