Because of the widespread human trafficking happening in the Philippines today, the Bureau of Immigration recently implemented another set of requirement which is to present a financial capability for Filipino tourists.
The Bureau of Investigation aims to lessen and soon eliminate undocumented workers disguised as tourists heading to countries like Dubai, Malaysia and Hong Kong. These countries are not very well known as a tourist destination yet there are a huge number of tourist applicants every year. As soon as they set foot to the said country, these tourists look for jobs or become undocumented workers later on. These illegal workers are very prone to maltreatment and abuse abroad.
This new requirement might become a pain to travelers but the positive effect it can create to protect the lives of Filipinos from illegal recruiters is all worth it.
This newly enforced guideline will be available to all Filipinos travelling as tourists especially in the Middle East. Seigfred Mison, Bureau of Immigration chief, asked the public to be more understanding for the inconvenience that this guideline will cause at the immigration counters.
Records show that there are over 40 suspected illegal OFWs concealed as tourists were found in NAIA. This new guideline will surely create a better protection for OFWs from abuse and maltreatment abroad.
