Philippines Girlfriend refused to travel for 14 days trip to Thailand

[jeroentak]

I live in Phuket. I am visiting the Philippines 2/3 times per year.

Last April 2013 my friend and I met two Philippines ladies ( 25 and 26 year

old) in the Philippines. We spent some time together.

This time November we try to contact them when we were visting again.

We found out that the place they worked was closed. I contacted

the girl I met and she told me that the other lady was killed by a car accident.

and that she moved back to her province. She was sad because of the

death of her cousin and she was out of a job.

I decided to cheer her up and bought a ticket from her province to Manila

and spend some time together. Everything was good.

Philippines citizens can travel to Thailand for 30 days and get visa on arrival.

So I invited her to join us back to Thailand and spend two weeks holiday in Phuket.

She had a passport and I bought a two weeks return ticket with Cebu Pacific

Airlines Manila- Phuket- Manila. We checked in together at Terminal 3 with Cebu

Pacific and she paid 1620 pesos travel tax for Philippinos. After that we paid the airport

tax 550 pesos and went to Philippines Immigration to get our passports stamped.

My friend and my passport got stamped and she was asked to fill in a questionary.

After filling in the questionairre she had an interview with a rather unfriendly and arrogant

Philipinno man. I was asked to join at the end. I was told that she can not join me

to Thailand because I was not her father, brother or any family relative. We were not married.

The Philippines Immigration law is protecting her citizens for going abroad. We needed

to get her suitcase of loaded from the airplane. My friend was crying and did not understand

why she could not join me for a two weeks holiday trip. Cebu Pacific Ailrines dnt reimburse

the airline ticket so I lost 15.000 pesos ( about 10.000 bath).

Let this be a warning for everybody visiting the Philippines and thinking of inviting their

friend or girlfriend to join for a holiday outside the Philippines. You have a risk of losing

your money and getting a lot of tears in return.

The Philippines Tourist Bureau have a slogan "More fun in The Philippines " Sorry

but I strongly have to disagree on that phrase. It is easy to take a Thai grilfriend

around in Asia for a holiday, but the Philippines girlfriend are simple not allowed to travel

abroad by their own goverment.

[junkofdavid2]

Although no visa is required for a Philippine citizen, Philippine nationals who appear 'low-class' or even 'middle class' are questioned by Philippine immigration officials out of suspicion that they will work abroad illegally as house helpers, bar girls, or even teachers/tutors.

(I'm not putting down your girlfriend; and no use arguing whether she looks low class or not. As a westerner you cannot tell unless you've lived in the Philippines for a long period of time)

If the immigration official has reason to suspect that the person will try to find work abroad without going through the proper procedure, he/she can legally be offloaded from the plane.

[jeroentak]

junkofdavid2

I understand and I know what you saying.

She does not looks low class but as a normal lady from 26 years old.

The intention was a two weeks holiday to Thailand arranged by myself.

I have been to the Philippines 50 times of the last 15 years.

If you have a Thai GF you can travel with her to almost any country in Asia

or even outside Asia as long as she has a visa for the country.

Thai immigration is just checking her passport, ticket and visa if needed.

They dnt question what your Thai GF is gone in Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan or Philippines.

That is the big difference between Philippines and other countries such as Thailand.

[simple1]

OP: FYI Philippines Immigration exit requirements for tourist visa if accompanied by a foreigner

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1252&Itemid=103

Edited November 24, 2013 by simple1

[AYJAYDEE]

The defining word was IN the philipines. you tried to go have fun OUT of the philipines

[jeroentak]

SIMPLE1

So it does not say that you are not allowed to take

your Philippina GF on a holiday trip. It depends on the

immigration officer and their mood. It is a lottery.

I have foreign friends who took their Philippines GF

to Thailand. Most likely they met another immigration officer

or he was in a better mood. It is a very arbitrary case.

We did do anything wrong and our intention were honest.

I was all ruined by one guy who did not like this lady to go

on a holiday with me to Thailand.

[ukrules]

Perhaps purchase tickets and check in separately in future.

[GrantSmith]

Without the OP knowing the line of questioning from the BI for his "gf", he's really not in a position to be bashing Filipino authorities decision to not allow her to travel.

Plenty to suggest there's more to the story, which is not to say who's right and who's wrong.

But the full story hasn't been divulged...

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Braddockrd]

This is an old story. The government protects Filipinos from being trafficked abroad. Evidently you were part of the problem. As to her story, don't believe anything these truthful girls tell you. Dead cousins abound all over the Pinoy land, as do collapsed roofs, mothers in hospitals and brothers accidents... Any way, as another guy said, it is more fun IN the Philippines.

[biggles45]

"Perhaps purchase tickets and check in separately in future."

No, it would probably be more difficult. I have taken my filipina GF to thailand several times, and to hongkong. Clark is the most difficult place for immigration, probably because so many BG going away with guys. On our first trip, EVERY filipino flying out was questioned, including a young couple with a child.

Girls have often been refused permission from this airport.In fact a friend of mine who has lived in philippines with a business nearly thirty years, travelling with his wife of many years and on their way to connect with a flight to australia where she is a resident, was refused. He really caused a shit storm, writing to the Immigration Minister, and getting a letter of apology, but no ticket refund !!

A lot of this I think is due to the American Govt giving a huge amount of money to the RP a few years ago to combat human trafficking and they want to show what a good job they doing and get another handout. Unfortunately the boys at Clark are over zealous.

It really is a raffle whether you will get her away or not. In my case my GF was an OFW for 7 years in Lebanon, which impressed them at the interview.

Edited November 24, 2013 by biggles45

[thailauren]

Sometime ago i was in the Phils. I had an American friend who was married to a Thai lady and they worked in the Phils.

My American friend and his wife (Thai) were coming to Thailand for a holiday and decided to gift a holiday to 2 Filipina girls who worked in his office. But both girls were turned down. The phils immigration is actually trying to earn tea money and hiding behind the story of protecting its citizens.

Best is to buy a ticket through a travel agent and ask them to arrange with immigration to let your friend through.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tolsti]

Does she play the guitar?..... or just the strings of your heart?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/683477-thai-police-arrest-filipino-typhoon-relief-money-scammers/

[bob4you]

Without the OP knowing the line of questioning from the BI for his "gf", he's really not in a position to be bashing Filipino authorities decision to not allow her to travel.

Plenty to suggest there's more to the story, which is not to say who's right and who's wrong.

But the full story hasn't been divulged...

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I for one believe the full story has been told, I know 1/2 dozen girls that have been turned away some as many as 3 times and it does not matter to immigration if they are traveling with a fanang or traveling alone, they have this power trip that needs to be fulfilled and they don't care the reason. My personal opinion is that somewhere in the downline is a directive telling them to turn away as many as they can because once a filipina gets to Thailand she does not want to go back to PI. If Thailand is a 3rd world country then PI is a 4th world country. More corrupt, dirty and with much poorer infrastructure than Thailand and if they let everyone out that wanted out there would be such a rush to get out.

[Wordworx]

Apologies in advance for offending OP and others, but very much doubt the car accident story. Seems a typical sympathy ploy. Could be (perhaps likely) a police record popped at immigration check. Or just all the usual indications were evident. Also I note OP did not specify "the place they worked..."

[feest monty]

they are stopping them from going abroad to scam the thais. note these girls claim to have gone many times.http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/683477-thai-police-arrest-filipino-typhoon-relief-money-scammers/

many pi girls in singapore both in and out of the "trade".

not withstanding it sounds like an airasia scam. try a different airline.

Edited November 24, 2013 by feest monty

[Beetlejuice]

i know there is one major scam in the Philippines, whereas a girl agrees to visit a guy in his country and asks money for a passport, airfare and whatever else is involved and then the girl either makes some excuses as to why she cannot make the trip or disappears never to be heard of again and pockets the money.

Whether or not the Immigration officer was in on the scam I don`t know, but as other posters have mentioned, the cousin death does seem a bit suspect. Perhaps best to put this down to experience and write the Philippine girl off with a, Next.

[wooloomooloo]

We're really none the wiser, but, the immigration officer could have been doing you a favour. We will never know.

[dao16]

 

junkofdavid2

I understand and I know what you saying.

She does not looks low class but as a normal lady from 26 years old.

The intention was a two weeks holiday to Thailand arranged by myself.

I have been to the Philippines 50 times of the last 15 years.

If you have a Thai GF you can travel with her to almost any country in Asia

or even outside Asia as long as she has a visa for the country.

Thai immigration is just checking her passport, ticket and visa if needed.

They dnt question what your Thai GF is gone in Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan or Philippines.

That is the big difference between Philippines and other countries such as Thailand.

 

----------------------

Believe me, ain't always so easy to travel with Thais, either. Had some aggravating experiences in other countries and even leaving Thailand. Usually it is fine when I shame them and tell them they are full of it (yeah, it has come down to me pulling the snob card on them...works every time). Other times, my wife just goes to Suvannaphum on her own and flies straight into where ever I am with no problem. I am not sure what sets them off at certain borders and certain dates, since we have had both, from it being a complete nightmare to it being nothing at all.

Not sure about the Philippines situation, though.

[Wordworx]

We're really none the wiser, but, the immigration officer could have been doing you a favour. We will never know.

We know. He did.

[Totster]

Surely there are plenty of hot Thai women knocking around in Phuket.. can't see the point of importing one from the Philippines.

totster

[louse1953]

Apologies in advance for offending OP and others, but very much doubt the car accident story. Seems a typical sympathy ploy. Could be (perhaps likely) a police record popped at immigration check. Or just all the usual indications were evident. Also I note OP did not specify "the place they worked..."

Don't people die in car accidents in PI

[recycler]

What's wrong with Thai girls?

[Ulic]

A lot of posters talking out of there ass with no experience in this situation. I am sure the story is basically as told.

The Philippines with pressure from the UN and US to stop human trafficking and with each immigration officer inflicting

there own moral compass on the ladies travelling, stop ladies from boarding flights with relish. I have known a dozen

girls myself who were travelling to meet boyfriends and as with the OP several that were travelling together.

With no divorce in Philippines if the girl has ever been married and not yet had the marriage annulled the chances

are even smaller. I have seen 20 girls crying as they have been denied in Clark on a single plane. I also know

of a few who were successful but they had not been married and even they were unsure why they were allowed

to board and others were not. The OP may have had success if he/she had said they were engaged if she has never

been married. There is a government course that the girls can take. It gives then information on how to avoid being

exploited. Not sure how long it takes or the cost, but I understand that is an option. Plenty of stories on this site regarding

this issue. I am sure the airlines are in on it. They can oversell every flight and slip the immigration staff a few peso to get

down to the number of seats in the plane. No refunds. Sorry to hear of your experience but it is the norm for many women

leaving the Philippines.

[DerringDo]

junkofdavid2

I understand and I know what you saying.

She does not looks low class but as a normal lady from 26 years old.

The intention was a two weeks holiday to Thailand arranged by myself.

I have been to the Philippines 50 times of the last 15 years.

If you have a Thai GF you can travel with her to almost any country in Asia

or even outside Asia as long as she has a visa for the country.

Thai immigration is just checking her passport, ticket and visa if needed.

They dnt question what your Thai GF is gone in Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan or Philippines.

That is the big difference between Philippines and other countries such as Thailand.

Sometimes single Thai ladies travelling to Bahrain are pulled out by Thai immigration for an interview. This may also occur in the departure lounge, as my wife and I have seen twice in the last year.

[Legs]

The girl(s) should take a 1 day course at CFO . There is a type of counseling done for the interest of your friend(s) , to make her aware off danger in

overseas countrys .

This counts really for every philippina leaving the philippines. This is also a requirement for getting married with a foreigner.

CFO is located at near south super hway and quirino ave .. close to LRT station Pedro Gill and Quirino.

[gopis108]

Normally these things are always resolved with a little cash under the table-especially in Phillipines-and of course the officials make trouble just for that purpose-Did you try that at all?.Cheers.

[Legs]

Maybe this help you ?

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140

[wolf5370]

Maybe this help you ?

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140

Seems to be for fiancés, this guy was only a boyfriend, she would have no spouse/partner visa as required by the "course".

[feest monty]

Maybe this help you ?

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140

the most dangerous place is the usa as it has the most slots allocated to it, safest place to go is Middle East and Other Countries as that only has one session

Edited November 24, 2013 by feest monty

[menorah]

Although no visa is required for a Philippine citizen, Philippine nationals who appear 'low-class' or even 'middle class' are questioned by Philippine immigration officials out of suspicion that they will work abroad illegally as house helpers, bar girls, or even teachers/tutors.

(I'm not putting down your girlfriend; and no use arguing whether she looks low class or not. As a westerner you cannot tell unless you've lived in the Philippines for a long period of time)

If the immigration official has reason to suspect that the person will try to find work abroad without going through the proper procedure, he/she can legally be offloaded from the plane.

I rather suspect Thai immigration would be more interested in an illegal worker, not Philippines immigration ! As for the assertion that air travel for Filipinos is now the exclusive domain of 'high class' individuals, whatever that means, well I'm astounded.

Take a long hard serious look at what you're saying. Filipinos, who are most often considered 2nd rate (not class) in comparison to a Thai National, do indeed travel to Thailand to take up better paid work than they can secure back home.

Poverty is endemic in the Philippines and there's a lot of support for anyone doing whatever they can to take care of family, even if it means working abroad.

Quite what reason an immigration official might have to suspect the young woman might be illegally seeking work, would have to be based upon some tangible evidence or information given. Looking into her eyes and making a 'gut' decision seems an unlikely discretionary mandate from higher authority.

On the other hand, if you're talking from a position of privileged information then perhaps you might honour us with its provenance.

Further, your statement; As a westerner you cannot tell unless you've lived in the Philippines for a long period of time). This is just plain stereotyping. It's like the Nazi assertion that Jews can be determined by the size of their nose !