The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded departing Filipinos who are going abroad for the first time as fiancées, spouses or family members of foreign nationals to secure the required certificate from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) before leaving.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente urged the airlines to make sure that said Filipinos who are emigrating abroad comply with the said requirement.
“This is not a new rule, but we deem it necessary to issue a reminder to all. Following policies set by different government agencies, Filipinos who are joining their foreign partners or spouses and other family members abroad as first time immigrants must attend a Guidance and Counseling Program (GCCP) from the CFO,” Morente said.
He explained that the CFO certificates and stickers serve as proof that they have attended guidance and counseling sessions administered by the CFO as mandated by law.
“Upon attending the sessions from the CFO, they are issued a certificate or a passport sticker which they would then present to immigration upon departure,” he stated.
Morente clarified, however, that the certificate is a requirement for those emigrating abroad for the first time, as well as those traveling to meet for the first time or to marry a foreign partner.
BI reminds Pinoys joining alien partners abroad to secure CFO docs
The BI Chief issued the clarification in reaction to queries from passengers who were planning to emigrate to the country after having met a foreign partner.
Meanwhile, former health adviser Dr. Tony Leachon asked the national government to consider implementing a total travel ban after the Philippines detected its first two cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
Leachon said the Philippines should imitate Israel, which closed its borders to all countries to prevent the spread of Omicron.
He also asked the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to review the quarantine policies for inbound travelers.
The Philippines has reported its first two cases of Omicron variant, the Department of Health said on Wednesday.
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