Introduction
In a major humanitarian act, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved clemency for 115 Filipino convicts in the UAE. This decision aligns with Ramadan’s spirit of mercy and Eid Al Fitr celebrations, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to compassionate justice and strong Philippines-UAE relations.
Key Highlights
✔ 115 Filipinos granted clemency (April 2024)
✔ Follows 143 pardons during Eid-Al-Adha 2023 and 220 during UAE National Day
✔ Strengthens Philippines-UAE diplomatic ties
✔ Supports families of convicts with reunification
UAE Clemency Grants for Filipino Convicts (Data Breakdown)
| Event | Year | Number of Pardoned Filipinos | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramadan / Eid-Al-Fitr | 2024 | 115 | UAE Government |
| Eid-Al-Adha | 2023 | 143 | Gulf News |
| UAE National Day | 2023 | 220 | Khaleej Times |
Why This Clemency Matters
1. Humanitarian Values
- The UAE’s Islamic principles emphasize forgiveness, especially during Ramadan.
- President Marcos Jr. praised the move as a “restoration of hope” for families.
2. Diplomatic Strengthening
- The Philippines and UAE have strong labor and economic ties:
- Over 600,000 OFWs in the UAE (Philippine Statistics Authority)
- $1.8B bilateral trade (2023) (DFA Philippines)
3. Previous Clemency Records
- The UAE has a history of pardons:
- 2022: 100 Filipinos freed during Eid-Al-Adha
- 2021: 170 pardons on UAE’s 50th National Day
Impact on Filipino Convicts & Families
Immediate Benefits
✅ Release from prison
✅ Legal status clearance
✅ Free repatriation flights (via OWWA)
Long-Term Support
- Reintegration programs by the Philippine government
- Livelihood assistance from DOLE
Conclusion
The UAE’s clemency for 115 Filipino convicts—facilitated by Presidents Marcos Jr. and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed—highlights diplomatic goodwill and Islamic mercy. With consistent pardons in recent years, the UAE solidifies its role as a humanitarian leader, while the Philippines gains stronger overseas worker protections.
This act not only reunites families but also strengthens bilateral relations, setting a precedent for future collaborations.
Sources & External Links
- UAE Government – Official Pardon Announcements
- Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Gulf News – Past Clemency Reports
- OWWA Repatriation Programs
FAQs on UAE Clemency for Filipino Convicts
1. How many Filipinos were pardoned this year?
115 during Ramadan/Eid-Al-Fitr 2024.
2. What were past UAE clemency numbers?
143 (2023 Eid-Al-Adha), 220 (2023 UAE National Day).
3. Will pardoned convicts be deported?
No, they will be repatriated voluntarily with government support.
4. Does this affect OFW rights in the UAE?
Yes, it reflects the UAE’s commitment to fair treatment of OFWs.