Since the issue of the stranded visa-changers was highlighted in the media, this was the second time the relief goods were distributed to them by the Philippine Embassy in Oman.

Earlier, relief goods were given to them on October 1, the second day of Eid Al Fitr.

Henry, one of the stranded Filipinos, said that the relief goods came as a big help as most of them lacked money. Twenty-five-year old Filipino Dennis told Khaleej Times that they appreciated the kindness of the Filipino community in Oman and the Philippine Embassy officials and staff for distributing relief goods and for responding to their immediate needs. However, he said it would have been better if what they received was their long-awaited visas.

Members of the Filipino community in Oman, who assisted the diplomatic team, have appealed to the UAE authorities to assist the stranded Filipinos by pressing on the travel agents to stop processing visa change until after the current visa run problem is resolved.

Ricky, one of the stranded persons who came back yesterday from the Al Buraimi border, said that hundreds of visa-changers continue to flow to the border daily.

“Travel agencies must stop sending them there.”

Philippine Ambassador to Oman, Akmad D. Omar led the diplomatic team and the Filipino community in looking after the stranded Filipinos on the UAE-Oman borders.

lily@khaleejtimes.com