Time and again, government agencies stress the importance of going through the legal process for overseas employment. This time the country in focus is New Zealand as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently repeats its advisory for all Filipinos who wish to travel in the said country.
The advisory is meant to protect the welfare of all Filipino migrant workers as there have been reports of some Filipinos that are not allowed to enter New Zealand but rather deported back to the Philippines because they lack the necessary documents. The DFA reminds everyone that all legitimate tourists bound to New Zealand must secure confirmed itineraries and accommodations so as not to be questioned by Immigration Authorities.
A report from Lolita Capco, Chargé d’Affaires, a. i. (CDA) of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand states that on May 31, 2006, seven Filipinos were refused entry at the Auckland Airport and returned to the Philippines on the next available flight due to ‘misrepresentation’.
The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) became suspicious on the real purpose of their travel because although they held limited purpose visas for a seven-day tour of New Zealand; they have no confirmed itineraries and accommodation.
This is not an isolated case as a similar incident occurred last January. Two Filipinos were immediately returned to the Philippines after arriving in New Zealand due to ‘doubtful bonafides and false declaration of reason for travel.
CDA Capco said “The Embassy has gathered that in both cases, certain travel and immigration consultants in Manila have lured these Filipinos who were hoping to work in New Zealand to come first as tourists. These agents had made false claims that arrangements were being made for them to take up work eventually.
“The Philippine Embassy urges would-be Filipino migrants to New Zealand to go through proper channels and procedures. The Embassy likewise reminds Filipino migrants in New Zealand not to aid illegal migrants to avoid the severe penalties of the country’s strict immigration laws,” she further explains.
The New Zealand government is serious in their goal of eradicating human smuggling as severe punishment awaits violators of New Zealand’s Crimes Act 2002 (against People Smuggling).
