ABU DHABI // Six expatriates have pledged to pull together to pay for flights home for a Filipina mother and daughter who remain in prison because they are unable to pay for their own deportation. Lou Tracena, 47, a Filipina executive secretary in Dubai, said she and her friends were moved by the women's plight and donated Dh1,550 towards a one-way ticket to Manila.
"If our government cannot provide the tickets, we're willing to help them," she said. Ramesh Rayen, 44, an accountant in Abu Dhabi who is originally from India, also offered to help after reading about the pair, Mariam Calvez, 47, and her daughter, Roxanne, 25. He contacted Albert Alba, 45, a public relations manager in Dubai, who started a fundraising campaign on June 17. Flying the pair home will cost about Dh4,400.
"I would like them to return to their country and start a new life," Mr Rayen said. "They should not remain in jail just because they do not have money for their air tickets." The other donors wish to remain anonymous. Carlito Dizon, an officer at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, said they could request funds from Manila's foreign affairs department, but it would take time. "Hundreds of Filipino workers are waiting to be repatriated in the UAE," he added.
One of the donors, a 41-year-old Canadian expatriate who has been in the UAE for eight years, said: "Whenever I see a situation like this, I would just like to help." With the money for their flights, the women can be released, but it is unlikely they will be able to retrieve their passports. Travel documents will need to be issued by the consulate. Once cleared by police and immigration, it will take at least a week before they can leave the country and be reunited with Mrs Calvez's parents.
The two, from Pagadian City in the southern Philippines, are being held in Dubai Central Jail in Al Aweer for absconding from their employers and working illegally. Mrs Calvez and herndaughterr, who both worked as housemaids, fled their Emirati employer's home in Abu Dhabi on September 2 last year after complaining of mistreatment and unpaid salaries, according to Mr Dizon. Mrs Calvez claims she did not receive two month's salary, and her daughter worked unpaid for four months.
They have also complained of insufficient food and overwork. Both went to Dubai and worked as part-time catering staff at various functions, including parties and weddings, before they were arrested in January. rruiz@thenational.ae