Add’l requirement for China nationals applying for temporary PH visas—DFA

DFA logo and building facade. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese nationals applying for temporary visitor’s visas at Philippine foreign service posts will now be required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced.

“The additional visa requirement is part of [our] continuing efforts to enhance [our] visa policies and regulations for the safe and efficient entry of foreign visitors,” said DFA in an advisory on Thursday.

According to the agency, the submitted certificate must be registered for at least six months at the time of the submission of the visa application.

READ: DFA to enforce stricter visa rules for the Chinese, cites Pogo crimes

“Exceptions to the abovementioned visa requirement will only apply to Chinese nationals currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education who will be required to submit proof of enrolment, and retirees above 55 years old,” said DFA.

“Other exceptions to the requirement will only be considered on a case-to-case basis,” it added.

READ: DFA to tighten rules for Chinese seeking tourist visa

While the implementation of additional visa requirement took place amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, DFA earlier maintained that the change in the government’s policy “is not necessarily related to other national security concerns.”

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Gary Domingo, however,  said the change was made following “headline discovery of fraudulently-obtained passports and visas resulting in the illicit entry and overstay” of foreigners in the Philippines.