THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said foreign spouses of Filipinos, minor children including those with special needs, and foreign parents of minor Filipinos are exempted from the temporary suspension of visa issuance currently in effect amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
The DFA said the authority was pursuant to Resolution No.60 issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) last July 30.
The agency made the clarification following a Bureau of Immigration (BI) announcement that it will deny entry to all foreign spouses of Filipinos, minor children including those with special needs, and foreign parents of minor Filipino nationals who do not have entry visas issued by Philippine embassies and consulates abroad prior to their travel to the country.
The DFA said that starting yesterday (Sunday), the BI was already authorized to allow entry to all foreign nationals with valid Philippine visas.
“This includes those who previously enjoyed visa-free privileges… those with existing visas need not be issued new ones,” the DFA said.
The agency said foreign nationals who wish to enter the Philippines should coordinate with the nearest embassy or consulate for the submission of documentary proof issued by Philippine authorities or foreign governments, except those inconsistent with Philippine regulations such as same-sex marriage and common-law spouse certificates.
