DUBAI – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has warned Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against fake documents produced by entities claiming to be associated with the embassy and urged them to report such fraudulent activity.
“The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi wishes to inform all our kababayans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that the Embassy is not in any way connected with any travel agency or “facilitator” of visas for the entry of Filipinos into the UAE,” the embassy said in a statement posted on the website of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs.
“The Embassy is likewise not connected with any person, company or any entity that offers or claims to offer facilitation services for the execution of the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG),” the statement added.
It pointed out that the personal appearance of the applicant of the Embassy or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates is required before an ASG could be issued.
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has expedited the release of ASG to three working days from five in a bid to better serve the Filipino community.
Unauthorized issuing of affidavits and similar documents is illegal under Philippine and UAE laws.
Immigration officials in the Philippines have tightened the screening of passengers on tourist visas and prevented those who they suspect to be victims of illegal recruitment from leaving.
There are over 600,000 Filipinos living and working in the UAE. Many of them serve as sponsors to their relatives and friends looking to work in the emirates.
The shortened period for the release of ASG means more Filipinos can enter the country with ease.
