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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Security concerns reason why PH cannot issue free visas — DFA

Security concerns reason why PH cannot issue free visas — DFA

Published Feb 7, 2024 03:12 pm

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, Feb. 7, cited security concerns as one of the reasons why the agency cannot issue free visas to some nationalities despite calls for such an arrangement.

DFA Undersecretary for Consular Affairs Gary Domingo said that while the Marcos administration's new brand of governance aims to bring better government services to the public, the government also has the duty to protect its people.

"As the President said himself...we must get more tourists, more investors, more students, so we have to facilitate visa issuance. So the e-visa project was born. But on the other hand, we also have our security sectors' valid concern," Domigo said at a press conference.

He said that while the Philippines is strengthening good diplomatic relations with other countries, it is also doing diplomacy among agencies concerned with the country's security.

Domingo did not mention any country in particular, although Chinese officials recently expressed hope for a visa-free arrangement with the Philippines and vice-versa, like what it did with other countries, such as Thailand.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently flagged the DFA's visa issuance process to Chinese nationalities after irregularities it found.

DFA officials said the issuance of e-Visa to Chinese nationals is yet to resume. Those who are processing their Philippine visas or have related inquiries may lodge their concern at the nearest embassy or consulates for the meantime.

Passport issuance

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said DFA's figures for passport issuance are set to return to pre-pandemic level this year.
That, he said, is part of the agency's commitment "to always strive to be better."

Manalo attributed it to the enhancements made by the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) that he said not only streamlined the processes, but also transformed the application experience for the clients.

"Gone are the days of enduring extended queues for consular services," he said.

"Globally, from January to December 2023, the DFA opened a total of 4,180,677 passport appointment slots, increasing accessibility for Filipinos both domestically and abroad," Manalo also said.

Related Tags

passport e-visa Department of Foreign Affairs
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