A big joyful smile was etched over the face of Filipina expat Yunilyn Liamzon. Not only did she return home after overstaying in the UAE for almost eight years, she left the country on Saturday with her Emirati fiancé to get married in the Philippines.

Clutching her travel documents in one hand and her fiancé’s hand with the other, Liamzon, 40, told Khaleej Times: “Many lives have been changed for the better because of the UAE’s immigration amnesty program. For me, the amnesty has paved the way for my matrimony.”

Liamzon, a resident in Ajman, joined 116 kababayans (compatriots), including eight minors, for the second batch of overstaying Filipinos repatriated by the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The first batch, composed of 101 Filipinos, flew back home on August 15. The Philippine government footed the bill for their one-way ticket and also paid for their outpass worth Dh221 and another Dh521, if they had an absconding case. They were also given $100 (Dh365) each (excluding the minors) as “humble welfare assistance.” The money was sourced from Philippine Assistance to Nationals fund.

Liamzon said she couldn’t be more happier. “I did not pay a single dirham from my pocket. I’m very thankful to the UAE government for waiving my overstaying penalties and to our (Philippine) government for the free ticket and assistance,” she added.

“My fiancé, who will be paying for his own air fare, and I really want our wedding to happen in the Philippines so that my family can witness it. I also want my husband-to-be to see the beautiful place where I grew up. Our trip back home is like an extended Eid holiday for us,” added Liamzon, a born Muslim who hails from Davao City, the hometown of Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.