by Patricia B. Mirasol, Producer
Filipinos are advised to use for visas early to avoid delays whilst they’re cautioned against visa scams that include the issuance of pretend appointment letters or the promise to influence visa decisions.
Selling appointments is one in every of the highest visa fraud scams, in response to Bernard Vijaykumar, head of North Asia & Philippines of VFS Global, an organization that helps governments and diplomatic missions with visa, passport, and consular services.
Visa appointments, he said, are free. VFS Global, furthermore, is neither involved in job placement nor immigration services.
“Don’t fall for VFS Global dupes promising [such services],” he said in a February 12 media event. “We is not going to ask applicants to deposit money to any accounts.”
Visa applications within the Philippines in 2024 rose 3% as in comparison with 2023, Mr. Vijaykumar also said on the event.
There was likewise a 38% growth in 2024 versus 2019.
The most well-liked travel destinations observed within the Philippines are – in alphabetical order – Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and the U.K.
VFS Global offered tricks to avoid visa-related frauds:
- Know you could apply early – Most countries accept visa applications as much as 90 days before the travel date. For a Schengen visa, one can apply as much as 6 months prior to the date of travel.
- Know that visa appointments are free – There may very well be a nominal service fee to prepay for select countries.
- Know that VFS Global has no role or influence on the choice of the visa application – The choice on visa applications, the visa tenure, and the timelines to process them lie within the hands of the concerned embassies or consulates.
- Know that VFS Global doesn’t work in association with any third-party entities – Watch out for scammers who claim to be related to, or pose, as VFS Global and guarantee appointments or positive visa decision
- Know that VFS Global is neither involved in job placement nor immigration-related services. – Be cautious of scammers offering spurious job or immigration opportunities in exchange for money.
As well as, travelers are reminded to review their visa applications to avoid these common mistakes:
- Information mismatch – The small print on the applying forms, comparable to name, passport number, and date of birth, must match the official documents.
- Incorrect photo format – Check the photo guidelines specific to 1’s goal destination.
- Incomplete documentation – Confer with the checklist for one’s goal destination.
- Unauthenticated bank statements – For certain destinations, applicants should ensure their bank statements are updated and authenticated as required. While most travelers know they should present bank statements, failing to have these statements authenticated stays a standard mistake.
Peak travel seasons could cause delays, which is why it’s advisable to use early, Mr. Vijaykumar said.
“Waiting until the last moment not only increases the danger of delays but in addition exposes applicants to fraudulent entities looking for to use their urgency,” he said.
