The Justice Secretary of the Philippines, Jesus Crispin Remulla, is calling on the government to make some changes regarding visa processing, making the requirements for Chinese nationals more stringent.
Citing national security concerns, the Secretary says that the visa issuance process has to become more stringent for the Chinese in order to make sure that only legitimate individuals are allowed entry to the Philippines, VisaGuide.World reports.
A bigger problem will ensue since there are national security issues involved for foreigners who want to enter the country, especially with China, where we are currently embroiled in a number of issues, so we really need to be careful and ensure that the processes in issuing visas are strictly followed.
He also revealed that the Justice Department has received several reports confirming that Chinese citizens who have no legitimate reason for obtaining a visa were able to get one, even through illegal means.
According to him, this is one of the cases that have to be investigated, also implying that the practice often includes travel agencies in order to secure a visa.
I am having this investigated because, based on the information I received, there are lawyers and travel agencies who are being used as conduits for the entry of these individuals, and most of those benefitting from these illegal activities are those coming from China.
He noted that his department would recommend to President Marcos Jr. to transfer responsibility for visa processing and issuance from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS), following the example of other countries. He noted that the service provider has the capability to check the veracity of the data submitted by those applying for a visa.
In May 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement with VFS Global on the Outsourcing of the Non-Sensitive, Non-Discretionary and Non-Complex Elements of Passport Renewal covering areas under the jurisdiction of Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United Arab Emirates and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The authority said that similar arrangements can be made with other countries.
Founded more than two decades ago, VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company which offers consular services on behalf of governments and diplomatic missions worldwide and is commonly used.
Remulla reiterated that the DFA has no capability to evaluate the veracity of the documents submitted by Chinese citizens applying for visas to enter the country.
Earlier this year, Filipino authorities announced a visa facilitation agreement for Chinese nationals, enabling them to travel to Asian countries through an e-visa. The same agreement would apply to Indian passport holders and intends to attract more tourists.