By Aerol John Pateña/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is open to reviewing the implementation of the visa on arrival policy for foreign visitors amid concerns that the influx of undocumented foreigners might pose security risks to the country.
“The Department of Tourism is open to review and reevaluate the issuance of Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) in the country to foreign visitors of certain nationalities with both the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the duly designated government agencies with respect to visa issuance,” the DOT said in a statement on Friday, in reaction to the proposal of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. to remove the privilege for foreigners.
The DOT also clarified that VUA is only granted to Chinese tourists that have passed the screening of tour operators accredited by both the department and the BI. They will be allowed entry after submission of all pertinent documents, subject to BI’s review and approval.
“We agree that prime importance should be placed on security and safety of our guests and locals. The grant of visas is to ensure entry of desirable visitors,” the statement reads.
Earlier this week, Locsin said he recommended the removal of the VUA privilege for foreign visitors following remarks made by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon that the influx of undocumented foreigners, particularly Chinese tourists, might pose a security threat to the country.
Locsin said all visas must be issued to foreigners after vetting by consular offices worldwide.
In 2017, the BI started issuing visas to Chinese nationals on their arrival in the Philippines to draw in more tourists from China.
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