Philippine imposes additional visa requirement for Chinese visitors

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese nationals applying for temporary visitor’s visa are now required to submit their Chinese Social Insurance Record Certificates, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The additional requirements for Chinese nationals applying for 9(a) temporary visitor’s visa at the Philippine embassy or consulate was officially signed on May 28, effective immediately.

The submitted certificate must be registered for at least six months at the time of the submission of visa application.

“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 enrollment, and retirees above 55 years old,” the DFA said.

Other exceptions to the requirement will only be considered on a case-to-case basis.

The DFA announced last month it would implement stricter policy for the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals, citing cases of fraudulently acquired visas and Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO)-related crimes.

DFA Undersecretary for civilian security and consular affairs Jesus Domingo said 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.

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

On Sunday, Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Trinidad called on the public to be vigilant of China’s “penetration” in Philippine society, political and economic system to “destroy from within” and the possible security threats.

Trinidad warned of China’s presence within the country across all instruments of power, saying it is no longer coincidental.