How to Avoid Being Offloaded in NAIA Immigration
Receiving more queries of offloading uncertainties, many Filipino first time travelers face gloomy chance to get permission to board. Most offloaded travelers left having trauma with NAIA immigration. Time, effort and money are wasted for nothing. Some are left devastated - knowing that one chance to find a better future abroad fades away before one can take off, worse case can't even re-book or refund the ticket.
I understand the position of immigration officers protecting us from illegal activities and human trafficking, but one should bear in mind that it is every citizen's fundamental right to travel freely. Whilst, there are legitimate cases that are ground for passenger to get offloaded, corruption in the immigration is also allegedly existent - as some officers target vulnerable traveler to oppress for extortion.
For FAQ's of travel requirements, visit the official Philippine immigration website - Click Here.
Every traveler has it's own motive, taking vacation is common while others obtain a tourist or visit visa and apply for a job opportunity abroad. In fact, it's becoming a gateway for expats to obtain employment in United Arab Emirates. One can get a visit visa and search for job, once hired, resident visa sponsorship can be process. This narrative in particular makes it more challenging for Filipino to travel to Dubai, knowing that they will be bombarded by questions in immigration. However, there's another process to beat that system and remain a good citizen. As a legitimate traveler with no intention of breaking the law, this option is proven effective for some, though it is not a guarantee for anyone willing to give it a try. Just to warn you, It's a bit costly than flying direct to your destination. For anyone travelling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, I understand that IO's follow strict protocol. No worries, let them do their job and let's a find way to get through it. "If there's a will, there's a way".
Since most travelers doesn't have a relative or sponsor, getting a visa through travel agency and book a trip to other Asian countries before heading on is the best alternative.
PREPARATION - VISA, FLIGHTS & TOUR
1. VISIT VISA - Let a relative or a friend process a visit visa in any travel agencies in Dubai and or Abu Dhabi. There's no need to get an affidavit of support and guarantee in the embassy or consulate, the agent will give assurance of your stay. They will send the visa through courier or email the bar-coded e-visa. You can contract Visa HQ as an option.
For FAQ's of travel requirements, visit the official Philippine immigration website - Click Here.
Every traveler has it's own motive, taking vacation is common while others obtain a tourist or visit visa and apply for a job opportunity abroad. In fact, it's becoming a gateway for expats to obtain employment in United Arab Emirates. One can get a visit visa and search for job, once hired, resident visa sponsorship can be process. This narrative in particular makes it more challenging for Filipino to travel to Dubai, knowing that they will be bombarded by questions in immigration. However, there's another process to beat that system and remain a good citizen. As a legitimate traveler with no intention of breaking the law, this option is proven effective for some, though it is not a guarantee for anyone willing to give it a try. Just to warn you, It's a bit costly than flying direct to your destination. For anyone travelling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, I understand that IO's follow strict protocol. No worries, let them do their job and let's a find way to get through it. "If there's a will, there's a way".
Since most travelers doesn't have a relative or sponsor, getting a visa through travel agency and book a trip to other Asian countries before heading on is the best alternative.
PREPARATION - VISA, FLIGHTS & TOUR
1. VISIT VISA - Let a relative or a friend process a visit visa in any travel agencies in Dubai and or Abu Dhabi. There's no need to get an affidavit of support and guarantee in the embassy or consulate, the agent will give assurance of your stay. They will send the visa through courier or email the bar-coded e-visa. You can contract Visa HQ as an option.
(1) One Month 10,000 PHP
(2) Two Months 20,000 PHP and can be extended for another month.
2. ASIAN TOUR - Book a return flight going to other Asian countries first. Go to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or Hong Kong, it's up to you. Stay for a day or two. Cancel your flight back to Manila upon arrival and go ahead to your main destination (Dubai or Abu Dhabi) after your stay. Choose an airline that can refund the return ticket, expect to pay penalty for cancellation.
Cost
Return Flights 15,000 to 20,000 PHP
Hotel - 3,000 PHP to 5,000 PHP
3. FLIGHT TO DUBAI - Book a one-way flight from the country you have chosen to Dubai and or Abu Dhabi.
Cost
One Way Flight 15,000 to 20,000 PHP.
READY TO GO - DEPARTURE FROM MANILA
4. TRAVEL LIGHT - don't bring a lot of stuff. Keep the visit visa aside or in your check-in luggage, you only need it in next country of departure. Be confident, usually they don't require documents if traveling to neighboring Asian countries. Ensure you have a leave form or employment certificate, credit cards, bank statements, in case you will be flag for secondary inspection. Not entirely necessary if you give a good impression that you can afford to travel. Don't get anxious in front of IO (Immigration Officer). Profiling is common in every country, all you need to do is to be assertive. Before check-in, pay the terminal fee and travel tax. Have some extra cash at least 10,000 PHP or more.
WARNING: This advisory is based on other Filipinos personal experience and should not be taken as a guaranteed advise. Please be vigilant with human trafficking and other illegal activities.
Question/s? Feel free to comment below and or post a question on our social media accounts with hash tag #AskRafaelRoxas.
About the Author
RAFAEL ROXAS is an OFW and Entrepreneur. He is an active digital nomad that helps individual, start-ups and SME's establish their brand. He started the project for Filipino community PinoyHow - a Q&A, training and information hub.
About the Author
RAFAEL ROXAS is an OFW and Entrepreneur. He is an active digital nomad that helps individual, start-ups and SME's establish their brand. He started the project for Filipino community PinoyHow - a Q&A, training and information hub.
