STARTING next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will implement stricter rules to prevent the illegal entry and overstaying of Chinese nationals in the country.
In a press conference, DFA Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo said the agency would require Chinese applicants to submit a social insurance certificate, on top of other necessary documents, as a new tourist visa requirement.
“There are a lot of fraudulently acquired visas, particularly from the China side, especially IDs, bank statements and certificates of employment. Fixers brazenly advertise such things on WeChat,” said Domingo.
“To remedy this, we’re actually looking at a best practice used by other foreign embassies in China such as Japan, South Korea, US, and UK. They also require applicants to submit a social insurance certificate, parang SSS (Social Security System) natin or GSIS (Government Service Insurance System),” he added.
For group visa applications, the DFA said it will be more vigilant in checking if the travel firms that are bringing in Chinese nationals are properly accredited.
Aside from the submission of fake documents, Domingo said there have also been cases of attempted bribery of Philippine consular staff through supposed agents or interpreters.
To counter this, the DFA will be restricting the employment of agents who can intercede for applicants.
