by Patricia B. Mirasol, Producer
Filipinos are urged to submit their visa applications promptly to prevent holdups, while also being warned against visa frauds, which encompass the distribution of counterfeit appointment letters or claims to sway visa resolutions.
According to Bernard Vijaykumar, head of North Asia & Philippines at VFS Global, a firm assisting governments and diplomatic missions with visa, passport, and consular services, selling appointments ranks among the most prevalent visa fraud schemes.
He emphasized that visa appointments are complimentary. Furthermore, VFS Global is not engaged in job placement or immigration matters.
“Avoid being misled by VFS Global con artists offering [such services],” he stated during a media event on February 12. “We will never require applicants to transfer funds to any accounts.”
Visa applications from the Philippines in 2024 increased by 3% compared to 2023, Mr. Vijaykumar noted during the event.
There was also a 38% surge in 2024 relative to 2019.
The most sought-after travel locations among Filipinos are, in alphabetical order – Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and the U.K.
VFS Global shared advice to steer clear of visa-related scams:
- Be aware that you can apply early – Most nations permit visa applications up to 90 days ahead of the intended travel date. For a Schengen visa, applications can be made up to 6 months before traveling.
- Understand that visa appointments are complimentary – There may be a minor service charge for certain countries in advance.
- Recognize that VFS Global does not have any involvement or sway over visa application outcomes – The authority over visa applications, their duration, and processing timelines rests with the respective embassies or consulates.
- Be mindful that VFS Global does not collaborate with any third-party organizations – Stay wary of fraudsters who pretend to be associated with VFS Global and guarantee appointments or favorable visa outcomes.
- Remember that VFS Global is not engaged in job placement or immigration-related offerings – Exercise caution when dealing with fraudsters proposing illegitimate job or immigration prospects for a fee.
Additionally, travelers are encouraged to scrutinize their visa submissions to prevent these frequent errors:
- Discrepancy in information – The information on the application forms, including name, passport number, and date of birth, must align with the official documentation.
- Improper photo format – Verify the photo requirements specific to your intended destination.
- Insufficient documentation – Consult the checklist applicable to your destination.
- Non-authenticated bank statements – For particular destinations, applicants must ensure their bank statements are current and authenticated as per requirements. Although most travelers are aware of the necessity to present bank statements, the lack of authentication remains a frequent error.
Busy travel seasons can lead to delays, making it crucial to apply early, Mr. Vijaykumar emphasized.
“Procrastinating until the last minute not only heightens the likelihood of delays but also puts applicants at risk of fraudulent schemes aiming to take advantage of their urgency,” he stated.
