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Selling of visas not tolerated — DFA

Philippines | National

Selling of visas not tolerated — DFA

By Joseph Pedrajas

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is not tolerating any sale of its permits or visas amid reported allegations of illicit activities in the agency.

In a statement, the DFA said it is rather committed to provide excellence in its public service and improve its consular services.

So, it said, it "does not tolerate nor condone acts of corruption in its visa and consular services at Philippine Foreign Service Post."

"Integral to its quality policy, the DFA takes allegations of extortion and other illicit activities in its visa processes seriously," it added after an online column said there were extortion committed by Philippine embassy officials to some foreigners.

DFA said systems are already in place to safeguard the visa issuance process, including the conduct of a timely and thorough investigation to check the veracity of the report.“

The DFA closely communicates with its Foreign Service Posts and stakeholders in the tourism and security sectors in enhancing its mandate to issue entry visas and resolving complaints,” it said.

Related Tags

Department of Foreign Affairs visas

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