Paralysed expat stuck in UAE with blood money debt set to return home after 32 years
A paralysed Filipino expat in Sharjah who spent over three decades stranded in the UAE due to an unpaid blood money debt is finally going home, thanks to intervention from the Philippine government and support from generous residents who stepped in after reading his story in Khaleej Times.
Seventy-year-old Ernesto Arnel Tawat, who had been unable to return to the Philippines for 32 years, will soon be reunited with his homeland.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has stepped in to facilitate his return, with DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally assuring the family of full support during a meeting in Dubai last week.
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Tawat's ordeal began in 2006 when a tragic accident left him with a blood money debt of Dh203,000. While he managed to pay Dh110,000 over the years, the remaining Dh93,000 kept him stuck in the UAE. His health deteriorated, leaving him paralysed on one side, while his family struggled to survive on their daughter Tina's modest income.
After Khaleej Times highlighted his plight in December 2024, several residents came forward to help. Their efforts, combined with the Philippine government's intervention, ensured that all outstanding costs, including travel expenses, medical bills, and even financial assistance for his wife, Teresa, were covered.
Tina thanked Khaleej Times for bringing their story to light. 'You opened a door for us that changed everything,' she said.
Born and raised in the UAE, Tina has spent her entire life trying to keep her family afloat. Forced to drop out of university due to financial hardships, she took on various jobs to support her paralysed father and her mother, Teresa.
In an earlier conversation with Khaleej Times, she shared how she had never known a life without struggle.
'I have been working since I was a teenager. I have lived in the UAE all my life, but every day has been about survival,' she had said. 'I couldn't even think about my own dreams because my father needed me.'
Now, with the Philippine government stepping in, Tina can finally breathe. Along with covering travel and medical expenses, officials have assured her that Ernesto will receive long-term care upon arrival, and Teresa may even receive support to start a small food business in the Philippines.
DMW officials confirmed that Ernesto and Teresa will be flying back within the next two weeks.
'My parents will receive further support in the Philippines. None of this would have been possible without your help,' said Tina.
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