Filipinos working and living in the UAE will no longer be charged terminal fees when they depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The move, which marks the Philippines path to making travelling more convenient for its citizens, was met with praise by the Filipino community in the UAE. According to a television broadcast by TFC Middle East, operated by Philippine media conglomerate ABS-CBN, the airport companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, 15th March, 2017, to remove the additional charge.

Initially, Filipino travellers buying their plane tickets were charged an additional 550 Philippine pesos (AED 40) as terminal fee. This amount would then be refunded to travellers upon departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Due to the busy schedules many OFWs adhere to, claiming the refund is almost always forgotten. Add to that the fact that proper documentation must be shown in order to claim the aforementioned refund. It was also seen as an additional expense by many Filipino travellers.

According to local newspaper Manila Bulletin, Department of Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade said that it was the President Rodrigo Duterte’s “gift to OFWs” and “a manifestation of his concern for their welfare.”

Facilities housing the current terminal fee refund offices will be closed down. The policy will take effect starting April 30, 2017 and will apply to OFWs, pilgrims, Philippine Sports Commission delegates and those authorized by law and the Office of the President.