The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reminded Filipinos who are going abroad for the first time to meet their partners who are foreign nationals, to secure the required document from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) before leaving.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said fiancées, spouses, or family members of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO guidance and counseling session as a requirement before they are allowed to fly abroad.
“This is not a new rule, but we deem it necessary to issue a reminder to all. Following policies set by different government agencies, Filipinos who are joining their foreign partners or spouses and other family members abroad as first-time immigrants, must attend a guidance and counseling program from the CFO,” he said.
The commission will issue the guidance and counseling certificate (GCC) and a sticker, which they will present at the airport before they are allowed to leave the country.
“Upon attending the sessions from the CFO, they are issued a certificate or a passport sticker, which they would then present to immigration upon departure,” Morente said.
He said the certificate is a requirement for those emigrating abroad for the first time, as well as those traveling to meet for the first time or to marry a foreign partner.
Morente also urged the airlines to make sure that Filipinos who are emigrating abroad comply with the requirement.
He issued the statement in response to queries from passengers who were planning to emigrate to another country after meeting their foreign partners.
Source: Philippines New Agency
