Matters Impacting Filipinos in Shanghai Discussed

Consul General Ignacio leads PCG and OUMWA Team in discussions with Entry-Exit Bureau Officials

SHANGHAI –  On 14 December, Consul General Josel F. Ignacio led a delegation from the PCG and the DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) in a meeting with the top echelon of the Bureau of Entry-Exist Administration (BEEA) of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB).

The Philippine officials were received by Director General Mme. QIU Ling. Accompanying the Consul General were Consul John Francis S. Herrera, OUMWA mission head Special Assistant Charleson C. Hermosura, and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Attaché Nenita G. Feliciano and ATN Officers Victor D. Galanza, Lauren S. Arce, and Carmela H. Bernaldez.

Both sides engaged in open and extensive discussions on issues of mutual import. The PCG emphasized its mandate to advance and safeguard the welfare of Filipino nationals in the Municipality, while respecting host country laws. Both sides acknowledged the importance of open communication between the PCG and the BEEA.

The BEEA comprehensively addressed the Consulate Generals queries and requests for clarification on topics such as entry visas and residence permits, penalties for immigration and visa condition violations, as well as particular cases of concern.

CG Ignacio, Special Assistant Hermosura and PH officials with BEEA Chief Qiu and colleagues.

The PCG also took the opportunity to update the BEEA of initiatives to facilitate the travel of Chinese nationals to the Philippines, such as the revival the Tour Group Visa scheme for Chinese outbound tour groups in April, followed by the beta test implementation of the Philippine e-Visa between August and November. Both saw the first issuances in Shanghai.

The call on the BEEA was arranged in consonance with the visit to Shanghai of the OUMWA officials. The Team visited the city to ascertain the overall situation of Filipinos, in furtherance of the DFA’s ATN mandate as implemented by PCG.

The OUMWA Team visited Shanghai from 13 to 17 December, following its mission to Xiamen. Aside from discussions with PCG on ATN service delivery, the team visited correctional facilities on 15 December. The following day, they joined PCG in a Forum on ATN concerns with Filipino organizations. END