Rules tightened for Chinese tourist visas

MANILA, Philippines — Starting this week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will implement stricter rules for the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals, citing cases of fraudulently acquired visas and crimes related to Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO firms.

DFA Undersecretary for civilian security and consular affairs Jesus Domingo said on Thursday that the new tourist visa requirements include social security documents to be presented by visa applicants.

The applicants are still required to present government IDs, proof of financial capacity, employment certificate and bank statements.

“There are a lot of fraudulently acquired visas,” Domingo said.

Philippine consular officers in China, according to Domingo, receive blatantly fake or fraudulently acquired documents and find applicants’ lack of financial capacity as tourists.

He mentioned instances for attempted bribery of Philippine consular staff.

“We are urging our (diplomatic) posts to have renewed tourism drive but we are looking at more quality tourists and not POGO,” he added.

The official said the stricter visa policy is not related to other national security concerns.

“Our reforms are aimed largely at better security. There will be less instance of unsavory people coming in to commit heinous crimes against fellow Chinese,” Domingo said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros called for the immediate ban of POGOs, saying it is a “hotspot of fugitives, and a haven for criminal activities.”