Did you know that approximately 40 Filipinos are being offloaded (or prevented from leaving the country) at the airport according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI)?
Don’t take this lightly because BI officials take their job seriously in ensuring that no Filipino will become victim of drug or human trafficking among others. The Philippine government noted that passengers bound to Dubai (because of the large Filipino community), Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore use these areas as an opportunity to leave the country and work even without necessary documents. Unfortunately for those who were offloaded. this could be a traumatic experience.
The good news is you can avoid this. Below are tips that will help you get through Immigration and ensure smooth departure:
Tip No. 1: Check and prepare your requirements.
This is the first thing you need to do before you leave. Immigration officers (IO) are wary of Filipinos who use tourist visa and eventually get a job in a different country without proper documents. That is why you need to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents that will prevent you from being offloaded.
These documents include:
- Philippine passport with at least six months validity at the time of departure
- Airline ticket
- POEA-approved or certified overseas employment contract
- Overseas Employment Certificate issued by the POEA
- Valid working visa
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Certificate
These documents will not only reduce the chances of being offloaded but also proves that you are a documented Overseas Filipino Worker and you went through the correct and legal process.
Tip No. 2: Familiarize yourself about the job and your employer.
It’s not enough that you prepared essential documents mentioned above. If you want to make the Immigration Officer believe that a job is waiting for you outside the Philippines, then you need to know what kind of job it is and to whom.
Therefore, know your overseas employment details such as name of employer, location of the job site, and your job description among others. Explain to the IO that you will return to the Philippines once your contract ends.
Tip No. 3: Honesty is still – and will always be – the best policy.
Telling lies can be poisonous. If you want to get through Immigration, then just be honest and avoid making stories because it could get back to you. Answer what is being asked and provide as much details as you can about your job abroad, which brings you back to Tip No. 2. When the IO notices consistency in your answers, then you have a higher chance of getting through Immigration because you are telling the truth.
While some people are so good at lying and could get away with it, it is best to stick to the truth and be honest when questioned by the IO.
Tip No. 4: Dress appropriately.
You said you’re heading to a Middle East country? Then make sure you dress the part. Countries in the Arab peninsula, particularly Saudi Arabia can be very conservative. Therefore, make sure you wear decent, appropriate clothes that will make you look more respectful.
Tip No. 5: Stay calm.
Fidgeting, sweating profusely, stuttering, or looking confused – these are some of the signs that Immigration Officers consider that something is off. If you continue to act that way, then there is a higher probability that you will be offloaded.
Relax. Stay calm. IO are just people like you. They are meant to intimidate, but don’t let them get in your head. The calmer you are, the faster it will be for you to get pass Immigration.
In case the first IO refused to let you enter, leave the lane calmly and try a different counter for another screening. The Immigration Officer may not be in a joyful mood at that time, which could be the reason why s/he refused to let you pass.
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