By Gabriela Baron
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is set to implement its revised guidelines for Filipinos going abroad beginning Sept. 3.
Under the new guidelines, Filipinos on self-funded travels will need a passport, valid visa (if required), boarding pass, confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, proof of hotel booking/accommodation, financial capacity or source of income, and proof of employment.
For those on sponsored travels, a passport, valid visa (if required), boarding pass, confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, proof of first civil degree relationship, and copies of passport, work visa, overseas employment certificate (OEC) will be asked by immigration officers.
Those traveling with a local sponsor will have to present a passport, valid visa (if required), boarding pass, confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, duly notarized affidavit executed by the local sponsor, substantial proof of relationship, and copy of the sponsor’s return ticket.
Meanwhile, overseas Filipino workers (OFW) departing for the first time will need a passport, valid employment visa or work permit, boarding pass, OEC, employment contract, and visa usage undertaking or manpower request.
Balik-Manggagawa will also be asked for their passport, valid employment visa or any equivalent document, boarding pass, OFW clearance or OEC, and proof of employment.
Students traveling for scholarship will need to show passport, valid visa (if required), boarding pass, confirmed return or roundtrip ticket consistent with the duration of the program, acceptance letter issued by the institution, and a duly-notarized affidavit executed by the scholar indicating the name of the educational institution and the duration of the program.
The full guidelines may be found in this link: https://doj.gov.ph/iacat_webpage.html
