Enable me to start out by saying that we, as residents, have a constitutional proper to journey. It’s enshrined in our structure. Nonetheless, this isn’t absolute.
That’s the reason we nonetheless undergo Immigration checks at any time when we go away the nation. And typically, vacationers get offloaded. However let’s make clear this primary. For the longest time, in different international locations, offloading means you might be already on the airplane after which requested to get off. However right here within the Philippines, it often means you weren’t allowed to board the airplane or ship within the first place. Immigration officers right here truly use the time period “deferred boarding”. So on this article, after we say offload, we imply you weren’t allowed to board.
So, what are the attainable causes vacationers or enterprise vacationers get offloaded? On this put up, we’ll talk about the 10 pink flags that, in our expertise, have a tendency to boost extra questions when present process immigration inspection within the Philippines. Observe that we’re focusing solely on Philippine outbound immigration. We’ll cowl immigration procedures in different international locations in separate articles, since they differ relying on the vacation spot.
DISCLAIMER! We’re not immigration officers or immigration attorneys. We’re not from the Bureau of Immigration or Division of International Affairs. All the pieces we’re sharing relies on interviews with our good friend who was an immigration officer, in addition to on public paperwork and press releases from DFA and BI, together with the Pointers on Departure Formalities and our personal private experiences.
Fortunately, we have now by no means been offloaded ourselves, and we hope it stays that method. However we do know individuals who sadly have been. And over the previous 15 years that we have now been touring internationally, we have now picked up notes each time we undergo Immigration. Once more, we’re not I.O.s, so please take every little thing we share with a grain of salt.
In abstract, a lot of the circumstances or causes on this record fall underneath considered one of these three classes:
- Situation with paperwork
- Suspicion of human trafficking/unlawful recruitment
- Suspicion of overstaying
Let’s undergo them one after the other, beginning with…
10 OFFLOADING RED FLAGS
Crimson Flag #1: Invalid Passport or Visa
Let’s begin with the only or most blatant one. You want a passport that isn’t simply legitimate, however should additionally has at the very least six (6) months validity. It must also be readable and never broken or mutilated.
In case your vacation spot requires visa, be sure you have the proper one and that it’s nonetheless legitimate. Each visa has a particular validity interval and allowed size of keep, so be certain that your journey dates should fall inside that interval. For instance, in case your Japan visa is nice for 15 days solely, your keep mustn’t exceed these 15 days.
And keep in mind that, though Filipinos get pleasure from visa-free entry to a number of international locations, it nonetheless comes with limits. For instance, in Taiwan, we’re not required to safe a visa if our keep is simply 14 days or shorter. However whether it is longer than that, you’ll want to get a visa. It’s additionally 14 days for Hong Kong, 21 days for Vietnam, and 30 days for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
And you probably have connecting flight, there are additionally circumstances the place you want a transit visa on your layover nation. If each legs of your journey are on the identical airline or are code-shared, you often don’t want one. However if you’re flying with completely different airways, you’ll almost certainly want a transit visa as a result of you’ll have to exit Immigration to choose up your luggage and verify in once more. So, it’s vital to know and concentrate on these attainable issues forward of time.
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Crimson Flag #2: Uncommon or Questionable Vacation spot
Vacationers heading to a rustic with an present deployment ban, alert degree, or journey advisory towards it are very prone to bear secondary inspection.
However there are additionally locations with no journey ban, alert, or advisory however are nonetheless carefully monitored by the authorities. These are locations that aren’t in style or frequent vacationer vacation spot for us Filipinos and have a big OFW inhabitants, comparable to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. These are often international locations within the Center East and Africa.
To be clear, we’re not saying that these sure locations are pink flags per se. However there are cases when the acknowledged tourism goal is questionable or doesn’t match the vacation spot. For instance, it’s your first time to journey overseas and you might be touring alone, you then declare your goal of journey is tourism. Nonetheless, your vacation spot is Cyprus. Even when I had been the immigration officer, I might most likely have doubts and have loads of questions additionally.
First, Cyprus is just not a typical tourism vacation spot for Pinoys. Second, there are a lot of OFWs in Cyprus, so they could suppose or suspect that you just may truly be working there. And third, having Cyprus as your vacation spot on your first worldwide journey is a bit suspicious. When you say you might be visiting a relative, which may make sense. However for tourism, it’s unusual for first-time vacation spot, particularly as a result of it’s fairly far. Normally, Filipino vacationers’ go-to locations for his or her first worldwide journey are in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Japan — not Cyprus immediately.
However why do immigration officers have a look at this?
In response to the Bureau of Immigration’s press launch in 2014, “it’s a frequent apply for Filipinos to journey as vacationers and find yourself as undocumented staff overseas.”
They refer to those as “vacationer employee profiles”, which frequently embody:
- First timers who’re going to locations that aren’t in style amongst vacationers
- Vacationers with no regular supply of earnings within the Philippines and no benefactors of their nation of vacation spot
That’s to not say that you probably have no journey historical past and you might be flying to uncommon vacation spot, you’ll mechanically be offloaded. Nonetheless, you must count on extra questions.
After all, there are additionally conditions the place it is sensible to have a long-distance vacation spot even for first-time vacationers. Perhaps it’s a household journey and also you simply occur to be the primary timer within the group. To me, that’s simple to grasp.
It will also be a honeymoon journey, and you might be touring to Maldives or Europe. Or you’ll attend a marriage within the US or Canada. So long as you possibly can assist your journey goal with the proper paperwork, these are typically acceptable.
Crimson Flag #3: Inconsistent Objective of Journey
Your goal of journey must be in line with the paperwork you may have. Are you touring for tourism or for enterprise? Be sure that your paperwork all line up together with your declared goal.
For instance, in case you say you might be attending a convention, be prepared to indicate proof that there actually is a convention overseas. Or if you will a marriage, like I discussed earlier, you must be capable of current proof or supporting paperwork if requested. You must show that there’s actually a marriage.
In response to an article revealed by the Division of International Affairs, particularly by Philippine Consulate Normal in Macau, “PROVE that you will your vacation spot nation for the PURPOSE that you’re making the journey. Chances are you’ll be refused exit in case you give CONTRADICTORY statements.”
In case you are touring as a TOURIST, you’ll want to set up that you plan to return to the Philippines and that you’ve the monetary capability to shoulder your journey. That’s the reason you will need to current proof of lodging, return ticket, proof of earnings, and clear journey itinerary. These will not be requested or required each single time, however in case you occur to get assigned to a strict immigration officer, it’s higher to have them prepared.
And talking of return ticket, it ought to match what you informed the I.O. or the allowed size of keep. For instance, you stated you might be coming again on January 10, however your return ticket reveals March 10, that will probably be an issue. We’ll talk about extra of this latern, however since we’re on the subject of paperwork…
Crimson Flag #4: Incomplete Paperwork
We regularly learn on Fb or hear tales like, “So-and-so received offloaded as a result of the immigration officer is power-tripping.” More often than not, that’s the rapid conclusion: The I.O. bullied them. I consider there are some circumstances like that. There are reputable vacationers who nonetheless get offloaded. BUT I additionally consider that more often than not, there may be truly a sound cause behind it, and all of it boils right down to preparation.
Relying in your case, there are specific paperwork required. For instance:
- If the traveler is a minor and never accompanied by both dad or mum or authorized guardian, a DSWD Clearance is required.
- In case you are a accomplice or partner of a foreigner meaning to depart to marry your fiancé, you will need to safe a CFO Steerage and Counseling Certificates.
- In case you are a authorities worker, you’ll want to get a journey authority issued by the proper workplace.
For native authorities workers, together with barangay officers and SK members, these are the issuing or approving authorities. LCE means native chief government.
For public college academics, some are saying they should current a journey authority signed by the Faculties Division Superintendent (SDS). We’re not very conversant in the method since we’re not academics.
There are additionally paperwork which will technically not be required, however the officer may ask for them if they’ve doubts. And these paperwork will show that what you might be saying is true and may persuade the I.O. to consider you.
As our former Immigration Officer good friend, Kevin, stated in an interview on The Poor Traveler Podcast: The immigration course of is document-based.
In the identical method, in case you stated you will a live performance they usually ask on your live performance ticket, you must current it. They won’t simply take your phrase for it.
In the event that they ask about your job — the place you’re employed or what you do for a residing, and also you talked about an organization, be prepared with firm ID or Certificates of Employment. They might or could not verify, however it’s higher to be ready, simply in case.
Many people have that “baka lulusot” mentality as a result of we heard {that a} good friend or a vlogger didn’t get requested for sure paperwork. So, you assume you’ll not be requested, too. However what if you’re requested?
Bear in mind: the immigration officer doesn’t know you. That is your first time assembly them. In order that they don’t have anything to carry on besides the paperwork you present them once they ask for it, particularly if you’re a first-time traveler. They haven’t any document about you. They aren’t positive if you’ll return. So at all times err on the facet of warning and put together all of the attainable paperwork you is perhaps requested to current.
Crimson Flag #5: Can not Show Monetary Functionality
You can’t set up your monetary functionality to journey.
As what the Bureau of Immigration beforehand acknowledged, vacationers who usually tend to be questioned are:
- First-time vacationers flying to a not-so-popular vacation spot.
- Vacationers with no regular supply of earnings within the Philippines and no benefactors.
We already mentioned the primary level earlier (Crimson Flag #2). This time, let’s give attention to the second merchandise: Vacationers with no regular supply of earnings and no sponsor.
When immigration officers ask us about our job, the place we work, and typically, even verify our firm ID or COE (Certificates of Employment). Except for figuring out in case you can afford to journey, they’re additionally assessing you probably have a powerful ties to the Philippines and a transparent cause to return, and never turn out to be undocumented OFWs.
In case you are unemployed or unable to obviously show your supply of earnings, count on to get requested extra questions and a chance to undergo secondary inspection.
However let’s be clear. In a earlier press launch, the Bureau of Immigration emphasised this: Monetary functionality is NOT a requirement. Nonetheless, “an individual could solely be requested to current additional proof for his journey overseas if the individual seems to have a cause completely different from what he has declared earlier than an immigration official.”
However what can unemployed vacationers do? Normally, immigration officers additionally ask for Affidavit of Assist and Assure (AOSG).
However then once more, simply because you may have an Affidavit of Assist doesn’t imply you might be mechanically cleared to go away the nation. That’s the place Purpose #6 is available in.
Crimson Flag #6: Unable to Show Relationship with Companion
You can’t show your relationship together with your companion or sponsor.
Many assume that having a sponsor or inviter overseas makes it simpler for them to get a departure clearance from immigration officers. Sadly, it doesn’t work that method. In some circumstances, I.O.s could even ask all these vacationers to current paperwork to show their relationship with their sponsor or inviter.
The bureau is document-based. For instance, in case you say somebody is your sister, you will need to present a doc proving that — like delivery certificates.
Really, we skilled this ourselves on considered one of our journeys to Singapore. It was my aunt’s first worldwide flight, and the I.O. was doubting that she and my mom had been associated as a result of they received completely different final names they usually had completely different facial options. Good factor we had been ready and introduced supporting paperwork with us.
And one other factor: even you probably have Affidavit of Assist, that isn’t an specific cross. It doesn’t mechanically clear you. In response to the Division of International Affairs (DFA), “The Affidavit of Assist and Assure is NOT a 100% GUARANTEE so that you can be allowed exit from the nation; it’s only a SUPPORTING DOCUMENT that strengthens your CLAIM to LEGITIMATE TRAVEL.”
Ultimately, the immigration officer nonetheless has the ultimate say on whether or not you may have sufficiently established your goal of journey.
Different particulars in regards to the sponsor additionally matter, comparable to your relationship to them and whether or not they’re Filipino or foreigner. Which brings us to Purpose #7…
Crimson Flag #7: Touring with a Non-Relative Sponsor
You might be accompanied or sponsored by a non-relative foreigner and also you should not have the capability to journey.
In response to the identical memorandum and press launch from Bureau of Immigration, included within the record of vacationers who could also be topic to secondary inspection are: “Vacationers with out monetary capability to journey escorted or accompanied by a foreigner who is just not associated.”
In response to Kevin, this is without doubt one of the circumstances that the Bureau often takes a better have a look at and be careful for due to the excessive danger of human trafficking or unlawful recruitment.
When you’re touring for leisure or tourism and being sponsored by a foreigner who is just not associated to you — say, a boyfriend, girlfriend, and even only a good friend — however the catch is, it’s your first time to satisfy in individual, you’ll almost certainly be offloaded.
It’s actually laborious to show the connection if it isn’t on paper. Bear in mind, immigration choices largely depend on the paperwork introduced. In case you are married, you possibly can present your marriage certificates. In case you are associated by blood, a delivery certificates works. However if you’re solely courting, it is rather difficult as a result of there isn’t a authorities doc to formally show the connection.
On-line communication, chats, or images are simple to pretend or manipulate digitally, so they aren’t thought of robust proof. So the tendency of immigration officer is to guard the Filipino traveler, particularly if in addition they lack monetary capability to journey as a result of they are going to be very susceptible overseas.
Truthfully, we consistently obtain messages from individuals on this similar scenario asking for recommendation. However we discover it laborious to offer steerage or recommendation as a result of these circumstances are difficult and sophisticated.
Crimson Flag #8: Inconsistent or Unbelievable Solutions
When dealing with an immigration officer and being requested questions, we should reply confidently, persistently, and in truth.
And as we at all times say, a very powerful of the three is TRUTHFULLY. When you inform the reality, even when the officer fires a number of questions at you or twists them round, it’s simpler to stay assured and constant.
It’s true that there are some vacationers with sincere intentions, that they actually simply wish to tour, however they will nonetheless get offloaded. However mendacity or making up tales will make it exponentially worse. It’s laborious to maintain monitor of lies, and I consider that immigration officers are skilled to identify lies or inconsistencies.
Be sure you know all the small print of your journey: the place you’re going, the place you’ll keep, when you’ll return to the Philippines, and different related data. In our case, after we journey with household and have first-timers or inexperienced vacationers, we often maintain a fast briefing at a café or restaurant on the airport simply to ensure that we’re on the identical web page and are conversant in the small print of the journey. As a result of even amongst household or teams, individuals can nonetheless get offloaded.
Now we have witnessed it first hand. One one flight, a bunch was seated behind and beside us, and two of their companions had been offloaded. Now we have additionally witnessed somebody in a bunch being endorsed to secondary inspection whereas we had been within the queue.
If an officer asks for a doc, simply present it. If they’ve query about it, reply in truth. Getting too nervous could make issues worse. Attempt to loosen up.
Crimson Flag #9: Earlier Immigration Violations or Felony Data
An immigration officer can cease you from flying if you might be on a watch record or you probably have excellent authorized or legal case right here within the Philippines.
And it isn’t simply legal document. When you’ve got a historical past of overstaying overseas, count on to get loads of questions. When you’ve got performed it earlier than, you can not fault them in the event that they assume you may do it once more.
In response to a Rappler article based mostly on a press launch from Bureau of Immigration, passengers who are sometimes topic to secondary inspection additionally embody:
“Passengers who stayed overseas for multiple 12 months throughout a earlier departure from the nation as a vacationer/non permanent customer, meaning to depart for the second and/or subsequent time.”
That’s the reason it’s also vital to preserve a clear journey document. If it’s your first time and the officer asks if you find yourself coming again, be sure you return on that date. Apparently, that is typically famous within the system, they usually can see that you just did return on the date you declared.
Crimson Flag #10: Beforehand Offloaded With out Compliance
Right here’s a abstract of what our good friend Kevin stated about this:
When you had been beforehand offloaded and did not adjust to the required paperwork, attempting to go away the nation once more from a unique airport, is not going to assist. For instance, one passenger was offloaded at Clark Worldwide Airport within the morning, then tried to depart from NAIA later that night with out fixing the problem. Since her offloading document is already within the system, the passenger was offloaded once more.
In brief, be sure you adjust to the necessities first earlier than making an attempt to go away the nation once more.
Be part of The Poor Traveler Assist Group
✅ When you’ve got any questions or want journey suggestions, be at liberty to put up them to the TPT Assist Group. The members are very useful. This Fb assist group has been round for a very long time, and plenty of members have discovered journey buddies by it. You may be part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Assist Group. Observe that that is completely different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
Defend your funds when touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
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