Gypsy Watanabe, an Administrative Staff in Abu Dhabi and a mother of two kids, hailed the decision as something that’s “uplifting and emotionally supportive”. She added that the decision is a “milestone” for OFWs here in the UAE. “It is all about fostering the value of a family as the core unit of the community. A happy family will definitely create a more productive and efficient individual. This is family tourism at its best,” said Watanabe.

Philippine Airlines Area Manager Agnes Pagaduan

As the UAE’s airports have reached a combined 32.8 million passengers during the first quarter, airline industries have also lauded the UAE government’s decision to bring families closer during the summer season. Philippine Airlines Area Manager Agnes Pagaduan adds that the visa will bring families closer as children who have yet to start school can now go to the UAE to meet their parents and spend quality time with them: “Para ito sa mga kababayan natin na may mga anak sa Pilipinas na sa September pa magsisimula ang school. Pagkakataon nila ito para magbonding bago sila ulit pumasok,” said Pagaduan.

Cebu Pacific Director for Corporate Communications Charo Logarta Lagamon

Charo Logarta Lagamon, Director Corporate Communications of Cebu Pacific, adds that the move not just eases the expenditures of the parents to bring their kids abroad, it also allows them to show their kids the wonders of the UAE while staying on a budget: “We welcome the law enacted by the UAE cabinet exempting minors from visa fees during the holiday season. This will encourage more UAE-based Filipino parents to bring their children and spend quality time bonding as a family, while sight-seeing and enjoying the attractions. The decision by the UAE Cabinet will also enable more families to consider vacationing in the UAE. Exemption from visa fees also means less travel expenses. We have observed that many Filipinos are turning to budget traveling and are more open to flying with Low Cost Carriers. Less funds allocated for airfare and visa fees means more budget flexibility for families to spend experience new things outside the Philippines with their families and friends.”

MPQ Tourism CEO Malou Prado

MPQ Tourism CEO Malou Prado said that the free visa for the children is a privilege for the OFW parents who have longed to see their children back home but weren’t able to do so. “They (children) can enter and tour the UAE’s popular spots and go shopping in Dubai. This will benefit both the tourism sector and the tourism companies here,” said Prado.

Cab Travel and Tourism admin executive Karen Zelchua

Travel agencies, while known to process both visas and airfare processes, remain optimistic that the move will generate not only foot traffic to their offices, but towards a better economy for the UAE. “Loss man ito sa mga nagbi-visa, magiging favorable naman ito para sa inbound tourism industry dito sa UAE,” said Cab Travel and Tourism admin executive Karen Zelchua.

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