GOVPH

Abiso sa mga Filipino ukol sa Illegal Recruitment Upang Gumawa ng Cybercrime sa Timog-Silangang Asya

ABISO SA MGA FILIPINO UKOL SA ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT UPANG GUMAWA NG CYBERCRIME SA TIMOG-SILANGANG ASYA

Pinapaalalahanan ng Pasuguan ng Pilipinas sa Brussels ang ating mga kababayan sa Belgium at Luxembourg na tumataas ang bilang ng mga kaso ng mga Pilipino mula sa Pilipinas at pati na rin sa ibang bansa na-re-recruit ng mga sindikatong kriminal na nakabase sa Timog-Silangang Asia upang gumawa ng cybercrime.

Naaakit ang mga Pilipinong biktima ng mga huwad na alok na mag-trabaho bilang “Customer Service Representatives” o “Call Center Agents” sa mga bansa sa Timog-Silangang Asia. Kapag na-recruit na sila, bibigyan sila ng ticket upang lumipad sa isang bansa sa Timog-Silangang Asia, at mula roon ay dadalhin sila sa mga liblib na lugar sa mga karatig na bansa kung saan sapilitan silang magtra-trabaho bilang online scammers para sa cryptocurrency at iba pang uri ng online scam.

Karamihan sa mga Pilipinong biktima ng trafficking na nasangkot sa mga scamming activities na ito ang nakararanas ng pang-aabuso sa kamay ng mga sindikatong kriminal. Kasama rito ang abusong pisikal at sikolohikal; walang patid na oras ng pagtatrabaho sa mahirap na kondisyon; hindi pagpapasuweldo; pagkumpiska ng mga pasaporte, mobile phones at gadgets nila; at pagbayad ng labis-labis na halaga ng pera kung nais nilang umalis sa trabaho. May mga pinagbantaan ng kamatayan o pagputol ng mga kamay kung ayaw nilang ipagpatuloy ang trabaho nila. May mga binantaan din na mapapahamak ang mga kamag-anak nila sa Pilipinas. May mga biktimang ipinagbili sa iba pang sindikatong kriminal na sangkot sa pang-aalipin, kasama ang sexual slavery.

Binibigyang-diin ng Pasuguan na mag-ingat sa mga sindikatong kriminal na nag-aalok ng trabaho sa mainland ng Timog-Silangang Asya.

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ADVISORY TO FILIPINOS ON ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT TO COMMIT CYBERCRIMES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

The Philippine Embassy in Brussels would like to warn all Filipinos in Belgium and Luxembourg of the increasing number of cases of Filipinos being illegally recruited from the Philippines and in other countries by criminal syndicates based in Southeast Asian countries to commit cybercrimes.

The Filipino victims are enticed by spurious job offers to work as “Customer Service Representatives” or “Call Center Agents” in Southeast Asian countries. Once they are recruited, the Filipino victims are issued tickets to fly to a Southeast Asian country, from which they are taken to adjacent countries and brought to remote areas where they are forced to work as online scammers engaged in cryptocurrency and other online scams.

Many of the Filipino trafficked victims who engage in these online scamming activities have experienced abuse at the hands of these criminal syndicates, including physical and psychological abuse; made to work long hours under difficult work conditions; non­payment of wages; confiscation of their passports, mobile phones and gadgets; and held hostage and made to pay exorbitant amounts of money should they wish to leave. Some are even threatened with death or cutting off their hands if they do not cooperate. Sometimes they are threatened with harm coming to their families in the Philippines. Some victims were sold to other syndicates, which may be engaged in other forms of slavery, including sexual slavery.

The Embassy reiterates its warning to the public to be wary of these criminal syndicates promising employment in mainland Southeast Asia.

9(A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa

9(a) TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA

All foreign nationals who wish to apply for 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa must file their visa applications via the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Online Visa Application System (OVAS) through the following link: https://www.visa.gov.ph

You are requested to apply for a visa at least one (1) month before your travel to the Philippines.

Here are the steps on how to apply for 9(a) visa through OVAS:

	CHECK IF YOU NEED A 9(A) VISA. Applicants from certain countries, including Belgium and Luxembourg, may avail of visa-free entry to the Philippines for an initial stay of 30 days. See the list of countries whose nationals may avail of visa-free entry to the Philippines. Are you a former Filipino and staying in the Philippines for less than one year? You may be eligible for the no-visa privilege under the Balikbayan program. Your immediate family may also avail of this program as long as they are traveling with you.
	GO TO THE ONLINE VISA APPLICATION SYSTEM (OVAS). If you do need a visa, go to https://www.visa.gov.ph and carefully follow the instructions in the platform. NOTE: If the OVAS website is undergoing maintenance, please fill out the visa application form here: PDF | PDF Fillable and go to Step 4 for the requirements to be sent via email along with the application form.
	CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR CONFIRMATION. Once your online application is successfully registered in the portal, a confirmation email will be sent to your registered email.
	FORWARD THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL TO THE EMBASSY, WITH SCANNED REQUIREMENTS AS YOUR ATTACHMENTS. Forward the email with the Applicant Reference Number (ARN) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject: 9(a) visa application to inform us of your application for a visa, and attach all your scanned requirements in PDF or JPG format. The following are the minimum requirements for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa application: Visa application form (duly accomplished in https://www.visa.gov.ph) Reminder: In the application form, write your full given name as indicated in your passport One (1) colored passport-size (4.5cm x 3.5cm) photograph (with white background) taken within the last six (6) months Passport with validity of at least six (6) months after the intended stay in the Philippines AND one (1) photocopy of the passport’s data page Photocopy of identity/residence card Proof of financial capacity to support stay in the Philippines (e.g., latest bank statement, pay slips from the last 3 months, employment certificate disclosing one’s salaries and other entitlements, proof of investments, pension statements, sponsorship letters supported by sponsor’s latest bank statement) Certificate of no criminal record (e.g. Police Clearance or Blanco Register) Copy of return/onward airline reservation ticket or flight booking confirmation If staying in a hotel: copy of hotel booking confirmation for the whole duration of stay / If hosted: signed letter of invitation/accommodation from sponsor AND sponsor’s valid ID If traveling for business or volunteer work: original endorsement letter from the firm/institution in Belgium/Luxembourg stating the purpose of the visit AND confirmation letter from the sponsoring firm/institution in the Philippines Additional requirements are required for the following: minors Chinese nationals visiting journalists, media and documentary groups foreign students foreign nationals aboard yachts or sailboats Important: Applicants are enjoined to email the consular office following basic formal email guidelines. The consular office will not accept the following applications: emails without proper subject lines or email body incomplete requirements attachments that are sent over several emails (please send only one email with all the attachments) unclear copies and improperly scanned requirements Failure to comply with the above will result to your application being rejected.
	WAIT FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE. Once all requirements are properly sent, the visa officer will evaluate the application. The visa officer will then provide you through email an appointment schedule for your visa application and detailed instructions on the additional requirements and procedures. Applications for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa must be made in person, except for applicants who are 12 years old and below.
	SUBMIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PAY THE FEES. Go to the consular section of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels on the date of your appointment. Present the original documents requested with their photocopies. Submit your requirements to the visa officer and pay the corresponding fees.  Incomplete visa requirements will NOT be accepted and may result in the delay or denial of the application. The visa officer will interview the applicant. Please note that you may bring only one (1) companion during your appointment. Visa fees (non-refundable): For Holders of Passports from Visa-Free Countries Single-entry visa, valid for 3 months.........€30.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 6 months.......€60.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 12 months.....€90.00 For Holders of Passports from Non-Visa-Free Countries Single-entry visa, valid for 3 months..........€40.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 6 months........€80.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 12 months.....€120.00 Note: Visa fees are subject to change without prior notice.
	CLAIM YOUR 9(A) VISA. Processing time is five (5) to ten (10) working days. Return to the Embassy on the date provided by the visa officer to claim your passport with your visa. Bring your receipt.

Note:

Nationals from countries not listed in E.O. 408 are requested to email the Consular Section of the Embassy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least one (1) month before their intended departure date for the list of requirements.

Those who intend to stay for more than 59 days may apply for an extension of their visa with the Bureau of Immigration. For more information, please click HERE.

For further queries and clarifications, please contact the Philippine Embassy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional requirements for minors travelling to the Philippines

Visas are required of minors who are traveling to the Philippines. Minors must be accompanied by an adult when traveling to the Philippines.

For minors below eighteen (18) years of age, visa applications may be filed by either parent or by their legally appointed guardian who must submit proof of the said relation to or responsibility to look after the minor.

For minors aged twelve (12) years and below, and are included in either of their parents’ (collective) passports, minimum documentary requirements must be submitted and corresponding visa payments must be made (per child). All persons included in the passport must be properly identified with a photograph affixed to the passport.

WAIVER OF EXCLUSION GROUND (WEG) for minors below 15 years of age and unaccompanied by or not joining a parent to the Philippines

Under Section 29(a) (12) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, children below fifteen (15) years of age who are unaccompanied by or not joining a parent when traveling to the Philippines are classified as excludable. For them to be admitted into the Philippines, they must secure a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) from the Bureau of Immigration.

In order to obtain the WEG order, the applicant must submit the following requirements to the Immigration Officer upon arrival in the Philippines:

1. Affidavit of Support and Consent (download template HERE) by either parent or legally appointed guardian of the child, naming therein the person who will be accompanying the child to the Philippines and with whom the child will stay while in the country. The said Affidavit must be notarized by a local notary public or the Consular Officer at the Embassy (fee of €27.50 if notarized by the Embassy, to be paid in cash);
2. Affidavit of Support and Consent issued by the Commune/Gemeente, with sworn translation in English and apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium/Luxembourg;
3. Extract from birth registration (international version) of the minor, apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium/Luxembourg;
4. Authenticated Marriage Contract/Certificate of parents, with sworn translation in English and apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium/Luxembourg;
5. Clear photocopy of the child’s passport data page;
6. Clear photocopy of the accompanying adult’s passport data page;
7. Clear photocopy of the parents’ valid passport data pages; and
8. Payment of immigration fees. 

For Chinese nationals

Chinese nationals must also submit a Social Insurance Record Certificate registered for at least six (6) months to be at the time of the submission of the visa application.

Exceptions to the abovementioned visa requirement will only apply to Chinese nationals currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education who will be required to submit proof of enrollment, and retirees above 55 years old.

For visiting media and documentary groups

Foreign journalists visiting the Philippines in pursuit of their profession are required to apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa. In addition, they will also need to submit requirements for accreditation by the International Press Center (IPC) in the Philippines.

Requirements for IPC Accreditation of Documentary Filming Group:

1. Letter of request stating the purpose of their visit in the country and requesting for accreditation. The letter should be addressed to:
   
   MR. LUIS A. MORENTE
   Director IV, NIB
   
   ATTN: ELMA REYES PERDIZ, MPA
   Chief, Media Accreditation and Relations Division (MARD)
   MARD/International Press Center
   News and Information Bureau
   
   Contact Details:
   Phone: (+63) 2 8526-5329 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   
   
2. List of TV equipment for the release of equipment from the Bureau of Customs (must be ATA Carnet registered);
3. Consolidated list of production crew members and designation;
4. 1 pc. 2×2 colored picture, white background, taken within the last six (6) months of submitting your application and reflecting the current appearance of each production crew member;
5. Photocopy of crew's passports (data page only);
6. 3-5 bylined photos/articles published within the last three (3) months;
7. Duly accomplished IPC Accreditation Form (go to https://nib.gov.ph/ and download by going to Divisions > MARD > Press Accreditation Form); and
8. Flight details and itinerary of the filming crew.

For the latest information and forms, please go to https://nib.gov.ph/accreditation/

Note: IPC can also assist the applicants if they do not have a local coordinator. Upon arrival in the Philippines, the production crew has to go to the IPC Office for accreditation (the local coordinator, if there is any, can coordinate with the IPC in advance).

For foreign nationals who wish to take up a short-term, non-degree course

Foreign students who wish to take up a short-term, non-degree course (e.g., language and computer courses) must apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa. Applicants must also submit a Certificate of Acceptance from the school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students.

Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the school/institution authorized by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students, s/he should apply for a Special Study Permit at the Bureau’s Study Desk, together with the following documents:

1. Request Letter;
2. Certificate of Acceptance from the school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students;
3. Photocopy of passport reflecting the applicant’s authorized period of stay;
4. Affidavit of Support AND proof of financial capacity; and
5. Birth Certificate.

For foreign nationals aboard privately-owned yachts or sailboats

A Temporary Visitor’s Visa is required for foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines aboard privately owned yachts or sailboats. Applicants are required to provide the following particulars of the yacht/sailboat and its crew members:

1. Crewlist;
2. Nationality/Citizenship;
3. Passport details of the crew;
4. Vessel to be used for entry: type, name, registration, call sign and other particulars;
5. Estimated date of entry into Philippine territory;
6. Port/area of entry (Philippine waters);
7. Estimated period of stay in the Philippines;
8. Character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any); and
9. Purpose of visit.

Note: Upon entry into the Philippines, the crew of the yacht or sailboat are required to register immediately with the nearest station of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and submit the yacht/sailboat.

Extension of authorized stay in the Philippines

In case the visa holder’s stay in the Philippines exceeds the authorized period of stay, he/she must report to the Bureau of Immigration, secure an extension of stay and pay the corresponding immigration fees. The Embassy advises visa holders who plan or want to extend their stay in the Philippines to directly approach the Bureau of Immigration. For more information on the application procedure and fees, please click HERE.

Agreements Signed

AGREEMENTS SIGNED BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND BELGIUM

• Joint Plan of Action in Fields of Mutual Interest Between the Governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium (signed on 10 July 2013) [Brussels PE/PM archives]
• Agreement between PH and Belgium on the Authorization to Engage in Gainful Occupation of Household Members of Diplomatic and Consular Officers (signed on 23 December 2009, entered into force on 19 March 2014). [UN Treaties]
• Undertaking for the Recognition by the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium of the Certificates of Competency issued by the Republic of the Philippines under Regulation 1/10 of the 1978 Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (signed on 12 June 2003, entered into force on 30 December 2003) [Supreme Court e-Library]
• Convention on Social Security between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of the Philippines (signed on 07 December 2001, entered into force on 01 August 2005) 
• Granting of Financial Assistance by Belgium to the Republic of the Philippines for the purchase of Belgian Capital Goods and Industrial Equipment and Related Services (signed and entered into force on 11 March 1996)
• Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union of the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (signed in Manila on 14 January 1998, ratified by the President on 27 February 1998, entered into force on 13 December 2003). [Supreme Court e-Library]
• Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium for the avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, with Protocols (signed on 02 October 1976, entered into force on 09 September 1980). [Bureau of Internal Revenue]
• Protocol Amending the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium for the avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income (signed on 11 March 1996, ratified by the President on 11 September 1996, concurred in by the Senate on 02 June 1997, entered into force on 24 December 1999). [Supreme Court e-Library]
• Specific Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium on Cooperation in the Field of Agrarian Reform in the Provinces of Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Region VII, in the Philippines (signed and entered into force on 27 March 1995)
• Memorandum of Understanding on Development Cooperation between the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of the Philippines (signed and entered into force on 15 September 1994 in Brussels). [Supreme Court e-Library]
• General Agreement on Economic, Industrial, Scientific, Technical and Development Cooperation on Carrying out the Water Supply of Several Locations in Cebu (signed and entered into force on 25 November 1988)
• General Agreement of Economic, Industrial, Scientific, Technical and Development Cooperation on Carrying out the Fish Industry in Cebu (signed and entered into force on 25 November 1988) [DFA Philippine Treaties Online]
• Agreement on Economic, Industrial, Scientific, Technical and Development Cooperation between the Government of the Philippines and the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union (signed on 15 January 1987, ratified by the President on 02 February 1994, entered into force on 14 March 1994). [Supreme Court e-Library]
• Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Belgium (signed on 30 January 1970, entered into force on 17 June 1970). [Supreme Court e-Library]