Filipino mother and daughter need help to fly out

DUBAI // A campaign has been launched to raise money for a Filipino mother and daughter held in prison because they cannot pay for their deportation flights home. Mariam Calvez, 47, and her daughter, Roxanne, 25, were detained in Dubai Central Jail in Al Aweer after they were arrested for absconding from their employers and working illegally. Mrs Calvez alleged they were abused and had worked without pay. Their passports have to be retrieved from their employers, and they need air tickets to return home, embassy officials said. Albert Alba, 45, a public relations manager in Dubai moved by their plight, started a fund-raising campaign on Thursday and has already raised more than Dh1,500. rruiz@thenational.ae