PH Embassy helping Filipinos duped by Russian visa agent

Carlos D. Sorreta, Philippine ambassador to Russi, with Evgeny S. Ivanov, director of the Consular Services Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after a meeting on March 9, 2017, in Moscow. (Photo from the Facebook pageof Carlos Sorreta)

The Philippine Embassy in Moscow has come to the aid of some 100 Filipinos who were duped last May by a Russian visa agent of their cash and travel documents.

Carlos Sorreta, Philippine ambassador to Russia, met last week with the victims to discuss their options, including the issuance of new passports or repatriation.

Seventeen of the Filipinowere detained because they did not have travel document. But they were later released by Russian authorities when the Philippine Embassy explained that they were victims who should not be punished.

The Filipinos paid a Russian to have their visas renewed. But the agent did not deliver and went into hiding instead.

A May 16 raid at the visa agent’s office yielded some of the passports but only a handful of them were returned to their owners.

Sorreta said the embassy had formally asked Russian authorities to turn over Philippine passports still in their possession.

The ambassador told the victims: “For those who want to stay and have lost their passports, we are willing to accept applications for lost passports. But we strongly advise that they follow the law in applying for their work visas and be truthful as to the nature of their work and the identity of their true employer.”

According to Sorreta, the embassy was prepared to process requests for repatriation.

“For those who are not in possession of their passports, the Embassy will issue a travel document and assist in obtaining the necessary exit permits from the Russian government,” he said.

He assured the victims that the embassy was working with the concerned authorities to ensure that their rights, safety, and welfare would be protected. /atm