Philippine Commission Approves Amendment to Philippine Passenger Departure Rules

The Philippine Anti-Trafficking Commission said it would implement the revised departure protocol for Filipinos traveling abroad from September 3 to combat "the serious threat of human trafficking"

The IACAT, a body composed of representatives from several government agencies and non-governmental sectors, approved the revised guidelines on departure procedures for Filipinos traveling overseas and published the agreement this month.

Previously, because of inquiries by immigration officials, passengers complained about missing flights or being denied exit, and they filed a series of complaints.

IACAT noted that victims of human trafficking are increasingly characterized as "individuals disguised as tourists, ostensibly possessing the means to travel internationally."

"It is most important to underline that the Revised Guidelines were not created to violate the fundamental right to travel, but to protect our fellow citizens from the terrible dangers of human trafficking," the committee said. ".

The revised guidelines for travel documents include the following as basic travel documents:

The passport is valid for at least six months from the date of departure

boarding pass

Appropriate visas, as long as needed

Confirmed Round Trip Ticket

in addition to the standard travel requirements, immigration officers may also require self-paying travellers to produce additional supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation, financial capacity or source of income, and proof of employment.

Travelers whose travel is sponsored by a relative (parent or spouse) with a first civil degree may be required to produce an original certificate of birth or marriage or marriage report issued by the Philippine Statistics Office, a copy of the sponsor's passport and a valid work visa or residence permit, and an overseas employment certificate (OFW sponsor).

If the sponsor is a fourth-degree civil blood relative or in-law, the original notarized affidavit of support and guarantee and the original birth or marriage certificate or marriage report showing the relationship between the passenger and the sponsor must be produced.

If the travel is guaranteed by a non-relative or legal or judicial entity, the outbound traveler should provide a notarized original affidavit of support and guarantee and documents proving the relationship between the passenger and the guarantor.

At the same time, an OFW departing for the first time should present an OFW permit issued by the OEC or the Department of Migrant Workers, a valid employment visa or work permit, an employment contract, and a visa use commitment or manpower application.

Inspection

During the initial check, the immigration officer will inquire about the purpose of the trip and review the basic travel documents. The IO may ask clarifying questions and request additional supporting documents from the passenger.

If the passenger presents fraudulent, forged or falsified travel or supporting documents, or refuses to undergo the preliminary examination, the main IO will postpone his departure.

The following passengers will be recommended for secondary inspection by the IO:

Persons whose purpose of travel was not determined during the initial inspection

Travel or personnel with inconsistent or insufficient supporting documents

Those who are unable to show proof of financial ability to travel and are accompanied by a foreign citizen who is not a relative by blood or in-law, up to the fourth-class citizen

Those traveling to a Level 3 or Level 4 alert country, whether visa holders or not, and those with a related deployment ban.

Those who have previously stayed abroad as tourists for more than six months or have previously lied about any travel information and intend to travel again for the same purpose.

Those with a valid record of delayed departure.

Persons identified and reported by the IACAT Anti-Trafficking Task Force or other government agencies as likely to be trafficked or illegally recruited or as suspected traffickers or illegal recruiters.

The revised guidelines read: "During the inspection, Level II IO should consider the passenger's overall situation, including but not limited to the purpose of travel, destination country, length of stay, travel history, age, financial ability or source of income consistent with the passenger's stated purpose of travel, and educational background.".

The secondary IO will delay the departure of the passenger when it finds any of the following reasons:

Refuse to accept the second inspection

Suspicious purpose of travel

Inconsistent or inadequate travel or supporting documentation

Lying or withholding important information about travel

Presentation of fraudulent, forged or falsified travel or supporting documents

Not complying with previous deferred departure requirements

The passenger is a potential trafficked or illegal recruiter, or a suspected trafficker or illegal recruiter.