Most Filipinos specially those who are first time to travel overseas fear the immigration officer for a possible offload. Being offloaded is a worst case scenario for anyone who invested time and money to work and travel abroad.
Here are the seven best things to remember to avoid being offloaded:
1. Prepare your documents, clearances and permits
A traveler intending to go abroad shall be required to present the following for primary inspections according to the website of Bureau of Immigration, which includes:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Visa when required on the country destination
- Round Trip Ticket
- Work Contract and OEC from POEA if you are an OFW
- If going as a tourist, hotel booking confirmation, and receipts
- If on a guided tour, copy of your itinerary and be ready for the places you will be visiting
- If traveling with a minor, travel permit from DSWD
- For age and affinity verification, bring your authenticated Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate
- If you are a government worker and your travel is related to your work, bring your clearance or travel permit.
- Private employees must have sufficient documents to prove they are employed and have been granted leave by their employers.
2. Stay honest with the immigration officer
- Always provide consistent, clear and confident answers
- Answer questions in a respectful manner
- Listen carefully and provide an honest answer while maintaining your composure
- Be polite in your answer all the time
- Avoid getting into argument with the Immigration Officer
3. Dress properly
Wear clothes that say you are a respectable traveler even you are free to dress as you pleased. For the first time traveler especially for women, choose a clothing that is not too revealing or too casual. Showing too much skin might trigger an impression of a sex worker which is a red flag among immigration officers. Dress decently as much as you can.
4. Recognize the purpose of your trip
If your purpose is pure and true, you should be able to pass the interview and be allowed to board faster than you expected. But remember, aside from your answer, Immigration Officer also observes your body language. They are trained in their job so they will know if you’re lying base on your composure.
If your friend or relatives are sponsoring your trip, make sure you can provide documents pertaining their information. Documents that have their complete names, addresses, and contact information
5. Review your travel history
Review your old passport and recall your most recent trips. If you are first time travelers, remember to be consistent in your reason for going out of the country. Your experience of being offloaded in the past could land you in the hot seat. Remember why you were denied the last time and how the issue was resolved.
6. Financially capable
- Bring a copy of your financial statements, certificate of employment, proof of salary, credit cards, and other proofs of residency.
- If you are unemployed, you must prepare to prove or show how you will be paying for your trip.
- If you travel is sponsored, then you must possess an affidavit of support and guarantee. This includes a letter of invitation authenticated by the Philippine consulate or embassy in your destination country.
7. Be on time, the earlier the better
Take note that the job of the immigration officer is to protect the Filipino citizens from human trafficking, illegal employer, being detained in other countries which is far more worse from being offloaded. Above tips can clear you from the officers and always stay safe in any travel.
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