The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) under the Department of Justice has approved the revised guidelines on departure requirements for Filipino passengers traveling abroad, effective September 3, 2023.

The new guidelines aim to enhance measures against human trafficking by requiring Filipino travelers to present additional travel documents and information.

The IACAT emphasized that the revised guidelines are designed to uphold the constitutional right to travel while also protecting Filipinos from the dangers of human trafficking.

The organization urged all Filipino travelers to comply with the new guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.

Under the newly instituted rules:

• Self-financed travelers will need to present additional documents. This includes a confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, evidence of hotel reservation or lodging, proof of financial capability, and verification of employment alongside the standard travel documentation.
• Travelers sponsored by relatives or non-relatives are mandated to secure a duly notarized affidavit of support and guarantee, obtainable from a Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or Honorary Consulate.
• First-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are required to gain an OFW clearance from the Department of Migrant Workers, viewable within the agency’s Border Control Information System.
• Unaccompanied minors will need a travel clearance certificate issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
• For travelers with minors, specific conditions necessitate a certificate of exemption from the DSWD, particularly in scenarios involving unmarried parents or when the accompanying individual holds unique custodial rights.

The DOJ also outlined situations that would permit immigration officers to delay a passenger’s departure, such as reluctance for secondary inspections, doubtful travel intentions, inconsistencies in documents, or suspicions of trafficking.

To streamline the process, the IACAT highlighted that secondary inspections should ideally conclude within 15 minutes.

This timeframe begins from the moment the secondary inspection officer starts their interview. However, particular situations might necessitate extended scrutiny.

The revised guidelines are a welcome development as they will help to prevent human trafficking, which is a serious problem in the Philippines.

Human trafficking is the illegal trade of people for the purpose of exploitation. It can take many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting.

The new guidelines will make it more difficult for human traffickers to operate and will help to protect Filipino travelers from exploitation.

For reports related to human trafficking, the IACAT urges the public to contact their dedicated hotline: “Report Human Trafficking at 1343 Actionline if within Metro Manila or (02) 1343 if outside Metro Manila.”