MANILA -- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday recommended the removal of visa upon arrival privilege for foreigners. Locsin’s proposal came following the remarks of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that the influx of undocumented foreigners to Manila pose a possible security threat to the country. "We need to put an end to visas upon arrival; all visas should be issued by consular offices after vetting," Locsin said on his official Twitter account, in reaction to the headline carrying Esperon's remarks. "We must take extra care in outsourcing any part of the visa application process, picking only the most reputable worldwide," Locsin added. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/107...FyGRPMe94iW5V9V7DyrbRx40xqRaimj_x1YyTRgbLA3_4
Presumably he means CHINESE ... DU30s big mates... who have taken the piss to the nth degree recently ? Yep... let's tar all poriners with the same brush, and screw tourism at the same time. As usual the Filipino 'big wigs' propose shooting themselves in the foot... through knee-jerk stupid reaction. doh !
I believe most Chinese will need visas already in order to enter the Philippines? Considering the huge numbers involved and assuming the resources of the Embassies/Consuls (or partners, if outsourced), I'm not sure how they would do a better job of vetting than airport immigration.
British tourists do not need a visa to enter the Philippines. Not many British tourists in the Philippines anyway.
The link is to a Philippine Government official news site, it makes no mention of nationality, a foreigner is a foreigner and they want to remove their visa waiver on arrival.
It's about losing money and they will lose a lot if they remove this privilege. Too many foreigners, sound familiar, good old xenophobia rears its head again.
The linked article does focus on nationality, particularly the problems caused by illegal Chinese workers and the gaming industry. It makes no mention of removing or adjusting the "visa waiver" policy. Here is a list of nationalities eligible for "Visa on arrival" in the Philippines: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_Philippines#Visa_on_arrival
Ok I agree I am wrong, I took the two to be synonymous although it did go through my head that there might be a difference.
I still believe it is the recent problems with Chinese VISITORS working illegally (yes, in gaming, etc) that has brought this on. The numbers reported are vast...and embarrassing to those in authority.
Where we are there is a lot of construction going on and a serious lack of local labour. The Chinese are bringing over their own! What a lot of people do not realize is that many of these Chinese companies are acquiring temporary 3 month work visa`s directly from immigration! One site near us has about 25 coolies,Chinese electricians,chippies etc! Dept. of labour are not happy!
