{
  "id": 12374083,
  "title": "‘We just want answers’: Filipino expats seek help after losing thousands over promised UAE self-sponsored visas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/we-just-want-answers-filipino-expats-seek-help-after-losing-thousands",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T11:54:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/people/we-just-want-answers-filipino-expats-seek-help-after-losing-thousands-over-promised-uae-self-sponsored-visas-1.500700349"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai: Filipino workers in the UAE have reportedly lost sizable sums after paying Trip Expert Business and Marketing Solutions for self-sponsored visas and related services, leaving many with mounting fines and severe financial hardship. The company's alleged founder and CEO, Junie Sorsano, and managing director, Ryan Ronel Baco, have come under scrutiny. Interviewees provided documents, including receipts, agreements, payment records, WhatsApp conversations, and refund forms, to support their claims. Myra Javier, a hospitality assistant in Abu Dhabi for 13 years, trusted Trip Expert after hearing positive recommendations from a Facebook vlogger. She paid Dh6,000 for a self-sponsored visa, but when she inquired about her visa status, there was no response. Mira Mahilum, who lost her job in Dubai and returned to the Philippines due to her father's death, was also misled by a Filipino influencer. She was assured a two-year self-sponsored visa costing Dh8,500, but after paying Dh8,100, Sorsano stopped responding. Guendolyn Cajutol, who has lived in Dubai for 11 years, also fell victim to the scam. She paid a Dh1,500 down payment and the remaining balance in June but has faced fines totaling nearly Dh10,600 since March. The victims have formed a group chat to share their experiences, evidence, and seek an investigation into the company.",
  "summary": "Dubai: Filipino expatriates in the UAE have allegedly lost thousands of dirhams after paying Trip Expert Business and Marketing Solutions for self-sponsored visas and related services, with some now facing mounting fines and serious financial difficulties. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have noted that they believed the company was legitimate because of advertisements, Filipino influencers, or…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}