BI to travelers: Give enough time for immigration processing

Citing a viral video of a family of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) at the Ninoy Aquino Internattional Airport who missed their flight, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) advised travelers to allot ample time for immigration inspection.

“Passengers are advised to check in and proceed for clearance at least 3 hours before their flight, and ensure the completion of all pre-departure requirements such as the eTravel registration,” the BI said in a media release Thursday.

This after the BI cited a viral social media post of the OFW family who were unable to board their flight to Dubai from NAIA Terminal 3.

According to the BI said, “Initial verification of airport records shows that the concerned passengers arrived at the immigration area at 10:51 a.m. and approached the counter for primary inspection, nine minutes prior to their boarding time, which is set at 11:00 a.m.”

“Upon primary inspection, the OFW couple and their child were immediately cleared, but their companion, their alleged household helper, who possessed a tourist visa and a different itinerary from them was referred for secondary inspection. They were advised to proceed directly to the gates to catch their flight, but insisted on waiting for their female companion.” the bureau said.

The BI said its officers “exerted all efforts to assist the family’s female companion, ensuring that she was accommodated promptly despite other passengers already waiting in line. They facilitated her processing as quickly as possible—she was able to submit her secondary inspection form at 11:43 a.m. and was cleared just 12 minutes later.”

BI said the eTravel documents may be accomplished 48 hours prior to the scheduled flight.

The Bureau also noted that the couple have multiple travels and are expected to be familiar with the necessary travel requirements and documents prior to departure.

It maintained  “that immigration officers are duty-bound to ensure that all departing passengers possess the proper documents before departure. These verification procedures are part of the government’s continuing effort to protect Filipinos from human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and other forms of exploitation.” —RF, GMA Integrated News