Your passport is your Responsibility (10 June 2013)

The Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines in Dubai and N. Emirates reiterates its advisory issued 13 November 2011 to the Filipinos residing and visiting Dubai and N. Emirates to make sure, before embarking on a trip or returning from travel, that their passports are valid at least six (6) months before its expiration date and in good condition. The immigration authorities would deny exit or entry to anyone whose passport has been tampered with or defective or no longer valid.

In case there is any noticeable passport defect and you are not certain about your passport validity, please visit the Consulate General or Philippine Embassy (Abu Dhabi) before you leave or travel. A tampered, defective, or invalid passport is a risk that may lead to you being questioned, detained at the airport, get stuck in a location where Consular services is not readily available (like Kish, Iran), or even deported to the Philippines.

Procedure for Payment of Immigration Annual Report Fee (30 September 2012)

The foreign national must make the payment within the first sixty (60) days of every calendar year. Failing to do so, the foreign national shall be fined Php200.00 for every month (or Php2,000.00 in a year) that he/she has exceeded in making the payment.

Foreign nationals who are outside the country during the given period for transaction will not be subjected to the above-mentioned fine scheme, but they must settle the fees within one month from the time of their re-entry to the Philippines.

From Securities and Exchange Commission (16 April 2012)

1. The registration of Caceres Lending Investor Co. (SEC Registration No. A1999099295) has expired in 2009 and that it has no Certificate of Authority to Operate a Lending Company pursuant to the lending Company regulation Act (RA 9474).
2. Global Company Unlimited Inc. is not registered with the Commission.
3. Caceres Global Foundation Inc. is not registered with the Commission.

On Application for Accreditation (Filipino Organizations) (9 January 2012)

Further to our 2011 letter on Applications and Accreditation of Filipino organizations addressed to existing heads of Filipino organizations, the Filipino community in Dubai and N. Emirates is hereby informed of the following:

1. Initially, each club/organization shall have a minimum number of thirty (30) active members aside from its duly-elected officers to be considered for accreditation. Officers and members alike are required to attach a copy of passport data page in the application starting July 2012.
2. The annual renewal of accreditation shall be the month of July of each year. Prospective organizations may apply for accreditation any time of the year but accreditation certificates shall only be given at the end of the accreditation period.
3. Organizations duly accredited with certificates ending before July 2012 are requested to submit a letter requesting for provisional extension of accreditation.
4. Organizations duly accredited with certificates ending after July 2012 are advised to submit for reaccreditation on July 2012.
5. Organizations not duly accredited with the Consulate General are strongly advised against using the name of the Consulate General for whatever purpose.
6. List of accredited organizations here.

On Solicitations of Certain Religious Groups/ Preaching (29 December 2011)

Seeking donations and solicitations on occasions like Christmas is considered begging. Begging is not permissible. Beggars face deportation and ban from entering the country.

While UAE allows freedom of religion in accordance with established customs and the government respects this right in practice, propagating religion is not allowed and is liable to be punished.

Be Mindful of Your Official Receipt (17 November 2011)

Everyone is reminded to keep their receipts. The official receipt issued by the Consulate General is the primary requirement when claiming your ePassport and processed documents (Special Power of Attorney, Acknowledgements, Affidavits, etc). Loss receipt entails execution of Affidavit of Loss and a corresponding fee. For your convenience, please be mindful of your receipts.

Shipping Balikbayan Boxes

The Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (DTI-PSB) is encouraging OFWs and other Filipinos residing abroad to engage only the services of DTI-PSB accredited sea freight forwarders.

Senders may wish to call  the  DTI-Direct (+632-751-3330) for assistance.  

Here is a copy of the Advisory provided by the DTI about sending balikbayan boxes to the Philippines.

Your passport, Your Responsibility (13 November 2011)

Filipinos who are about to travel are advised to make sure that their passports are valid (at least six (6) months before expiration date) and in good condition. The immigration authorities would deny entry to anyone whose passport has been tampered with or defective or no longer valid. In case there is any noticeable passport defect and you are not certain about your passport validity, please visit the Consulate General or Philippine Embassy (Abu Dhabi) before you leave or travel. A tampered, defective, or invalid passport is a risk that may lead to you being questioned, detained at the airport or even deported to the Philippines.

On Illegal Drug Couriers (02 May 2011)

Filipinos who willingly accept offers to become illegal drug couriers and those who were involuntarily caught in the criminal activities of syndicates through various modus operandi,

1. Carry at your own risk.
2. Knowledge is immaterial and intent is not a requirement in drug trafficking.
3. Be vigilant of modus operandi of drug courier syndicates.
4. In the unfortunate event of arrest or detention for drug trafficking, have presence of mind and do not resist arrest.
5. Assert your legal rights, inquire on the legal remedies and request for consular assistance.
6. Presumption of innocence will always apply.
7. The laws of the country of arrest apply.
8. If sentenced, the government can only be of limited assistance.
9. Blood money cannot be paid to erase the liability of a person convicted of a crime involving illegal drugs.
10. Take full responsibility of your actions.