BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - More Filipino students are coming out to complain against Kirsten Student Development Inc., a Philippine-based consultancy agency that gave advice to applicants on how to secure a student visa in the UK.
These students contacted ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau to vent their anger against Kirsten, which promised to talk to the UK colleges and assist the students with their ad hoc requirements in getting the student visa. The students shelled out up to $7,000 to Kirsten for this service.
But what attracted the students to Kirsten was the opportunity for them to work in the UK while studying.
They were promised to be given on-the-job-training with pay, but these jobs came later than anticipated. Many were left with no job or money to finance their education in the UK.
This is the root cause of rage among the students in Birmingham.
“Napakalaking gamble noon sa amin na ang laki-laki ng binayad namin tapos wala naman (trabaho). Akala namin pagdating dito okay. Yun pala, yung mga sinabi niyang trabaho, di naman totoo,” said John, the designated spokesperson of the students.
He was earlier interviewed by ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau on the same issue.
Aurora Amelig came to the UK in 2008 as a student, also getting the visa through Kirsten. After only 3 months, Amelig and her fellow students found out the college where they were enrolled in suddenly went into liquidation and was forced to close down.
Around a hundred Filipino students were affected by the sudden closure of Affinity College. Amelig said, as a consultancy agency trusted to choose a reputable college for them, Kristen failed to do its job.
They were not able to refund their tuition fees and were left to look for another another college. When some students were unsuccessful, they were deported.
What also irked them was the indifference of the consultancy agency that sold to them the idea of earning enough to fund their own education. The students also did not get any assistance from Kirsten, when they faced challenges of living in the UK.
“Wala man lang letter from Kirsten saying na ito ang gagawin at mag-enrol kayo sa isang school which is an affiliate. We did not receive any assistance from them, to think na 3 buwan pa lang naman kami sa England,” said Amelig.
She further explained: “Kung kamag-anak mo at anak mo ang pinapunta mo dito para mag-struggle, I doubt kung papupuntahin mo pa siya. Kunsiyensya na lang. May mga estudyante na nagbayad ng napakalaki. Baka binenta pa ang lahat ng ari-arian sa Pilipinas. Tapos maghihirap sila dito.”
Kirsten denies allegations
In a phone interview with ABS-CBN News Manila, Kirsten denied all the allegations.
Maridee Basco, president of Kirsten, said they neither duped the students nor promised them work.
“Hiindi po kami nanloloko. We are very transparent here. Lagi nila akong kaharap, lagi nila akong nakakausap. May meeting every time na may issue sa UK. Nung naipit file nila sa embassy for 10 months, bakit di sila nagreklamo na linuloko sila? Bakit nung may 3-year visa, saka sila magco-complain? If you are not satisfied, don't go to UK. Dito pa lang, stop na,” Basco said.
She reiterated that Kirsten did not promise work.
“Di po ako nangangako ng trabaho. Hindi ito work-permit. Itong sinasabing trabaho ay pinaka-OJT with pay sa mga carehomes. Nagkataon na may bayad ito based on their rate,” she said.
Basco also explained that Kirsten charged different fees for students, but did not say if the tuition was included in the payment.
“Nag-increase po, nagbayad na sila $3,000, merong $4,000. After last year, na-inform magdadala ng additional because the course is different,” said Basco.
The students insisted that Kirsten made them believe that the $7,000 fees cover part of their tuition in the UK college.
Regarding assistance to students in the UK, Kristen was adamant that it is the responsibility of the trainer and the UK college.
Some students believe Kirsten and the UK college colluded to cover up the lapses of each other.
“Malaki ang posibilidad na may sabwatan sila kasi ang eskuwelan nagkukunwari na wala silang alam sa binayaran. Kasi yung mga binayaran namin na supposed to be for tuition fee, wala naman daw nakarating sa eskuwelahan,” said John.
UK College defends itself
Kirsten facilitated the UK visas of the Filipino students for a 3-year Level 3 National Certificate Care and Management course under Quality Care Solutions Ltd or Wave Training Ltd.
When contacted by ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, Wave Training categorically denied that there is any collusion with Kirsten in providing "false hopes" or advertisement as the students alleged.
Gail Porter, Interim General Manager of Wave Training Limited explained in a letter that "there is not, and never has been any collusion between Wave and Kirsten in an attempt to cover up the 'wrong information'.”
Porter also explained that the students signed an agreement that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of each party.
“All learners were issued with details of the course and requirements in their visa letters and have signed a Learners' Agreement. This agreement in brief sets out the level of tuition fees payable to Wave and the expected behaviors of each student. Copies of the agreements were supplied to Kirsten and some students signed the Learners Agreement before leaving the Philippines,” said Porter.
Porter also added: ‘We are not privy to the exact detail of Kirsten’s communication with each individual student. When examples of false information have been brought to our attention we have immediately responded to agents to address this."
The company likewise clarified that it did not shirk from its responsibilities to the students in making them aware of the fees they needed to pay, particularly tuition fees.
‘We at Wave did our utmost to ensure that all students were aware, even before they left the Philippines, that there would be tuition fees to pay to the college and indeed what the payments would be. These overseas tuition fees charged by Wave are between £2000 - £6000 per year, less than fees charged by other colleges/universities,” said Porter.
Because of the complaints against Kirsten received by Wave, the college is not dealing with Kirsten in the future.
“Notice was previously served to Kirsten of our intention to discontinue working with them following the enrolment of the final batch of students by email and by letter earlier in 2011,” stated Porter.
Angry students
The students are still angry because they believe they have been duped.
John, on behalf of fellow students at Birmingham, has a message for Kirsten: “Tigilan na niya ang panloloko niya. Kasi sa puntong ito bisto na siya. Siya na ang sinungaling, siya pa yung mayabang”.
Amelig is appealing to Filipino students to delay their plans to study and work in the UK, and wait for the UK economy to improve.
“It’s too expensive here at naka-student visa ka lang. First thing, you don’t have work. Kahit mga British citizen hirap kumuha ng 35 hours of work sa sarili nilang bansa, so how much more ang foreigners,” she said. - ABS CBN:
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Pinoy feeds the Homeless in Austria
Hello Phillippines - Tue, October 4, 2011 11:41 PM
Instead of putting a part of his earnings during the past year into some other things, he choose to gather his resources in order to feed the homeless people in Vienna.
On Christmas Eve, Wilson, together some Pinoy volunteers – will take time to prepare the ingredients needed for the charity work.
During the past years, almost 200 homeless, most of them men, appreciate exotic food that the Pinoys prepared. Wilson has been preparing pansit (noodles), fried rice and fried chicken for the „Obdachlosen“.
Wilson has already been doing this charity work for the past 4 years.
Wilson commented: “Six years ago, pagkatapos ng Christmas party namin sa bahay, napansin ko na napakaraming sobrang pagkain (after our Christmas party, I noticed we had a lot of left-overs). I thought of bringing these to the train station, where the “sandler” (homeless) are staying. Afterwards, I learned that there is a CARITAS House in Vienna, where homeless could temporarily stay.”
Wilson did not only cook for the homeless. He was able to gather from generous donors Christmas presents for them, too. Packs of cigarettes, soaps, shampoos, tissue papers, chocolates, toothbrush and toothpaste and other necessities were distributed to the delight of the homeless.
Wilson added: “In addition to foods, we are also giving these people some gifts, kasi wala naman silang pamilya na magbigay sa kanila ng regalo (since they no family who would give them gifts). At least through these little and simple gifts, ay mabubuksan silang regalo today or this Christmas (they will open gifts today or this Christmas).”
Lorna Titgemeyer, former Chairman of the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria is also helping Wilson in this charity effort.
She said: “Indeed, it is very easy to contribute material things. Though I am very much convinced that when one contributes time and effort, the worth is much more. That is why, when Wilson asked me to help him, I immediately answered him yes.”
The homeless beneficiaries were very much grateful for the time and effort given by the Filipinos. They appreciated very much their willingness and dedication to help even though they are immigrants here.
This charitable action initiated by Wilson seven years ago has become a tradition for him. He regards these people his family, in a sense that he himself has no home and family here. He said he was just lucky enough to obtain a good job at the UN and could do something worthwhile for the homeless.
Wilson said, “I do this as my personal commitment. Christmas is about giving or sharing. Now, I don’t have my family here, so I also said to my friends, I want to celebrate Christmas with those people with no families at all, like me. So I spend Christmas with the homeless as well.”
Instead of putting a part of his earnings during the past year into some other things, he choose to gather his resources in order to feed the homeless people in Vienna.
On Christmas Eve, Wilson, together some Pinoy volunteers – will take time to prepare the ingredients needed for the charity work.
During the past years, almost 200 homeless, most of them men, appreciate exotic food that the Pinoys prepared. Wilson has been preparing pansit (noodles), fried rice and fried chicken for the „Obdachlosen“.
Wilson has already been doing this charity work for the past 4 years.
Wilson commented: “Six years ago, pagkatapos ng Christmas party namin sa bahay, napansin ko na napakaraming sobrang pagkain (after our Christmas party, I noticed we had a lot of left-overs). I thought of bringing these to the train station, where the “sandler” (homeless) are staying. Afterwards, I learned that there is a CARITAS House in Vienna, where homeless could temporarily stay.”
Wilson did not only cook for the homeless. He was able to gather from generous donors Christmas presents for them, too. Packs of cigarettes, soaps, shampoos, tissue papers, chocolates, toothbrush and toothpaste and other necessities were distributed to the delight of the homeless.
Wilson added: “In addition to foods, we are also giving these people some gifts, kasi wala naman silang pamilya na magbigay sa kanila ng regalo (since they no family who would give them gifts). At least through these little and simple gifts, ay mabubuksan silang regalo today or this Christmas (they will open gifts today or this Christmas).”
Lorna Titgemeyer, former Chairman of the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria is also helping Wilson in this charity effort.
She said: “Indeed, it is very easy to contribute material things. Though I am very much convinced that when one contributes time and effort, the worth is much more. That is why, when Wilson asked me to help him, I immediately answered him yes.”
The homeless beneficiaries were very much grateful for the time and effort given by the Filipinos. They appreciated very much their willingness and dedication to help even though they are immigrants here.
This charitable action initiated by Wilson seven years ago has become a tradition for him. He regards these people his family, in a sense that he himself has no home and family here. He said he was just lucky enough to obtain a good job at the UN and could do something worthwhile for the homeless.
Wilson said, “I do this as my personal commitment. Christmas is about giving or sharing. Now, I don’t have my family here, so I also said to my friends, I want to celebrate Christmas with those people with no families at all, like me. So I spend Christmas with the homeless as well.”
The Young Man’s Get-Rich Plan
Contrary to what Kanye West says, most women aren’t gold diggers. But your empty wallet doesn’t exactly make you a catch.
A new study from Princeton University found that men who lack material wealth—particularly a car, a house, and financial assets like mutual funds—are less likely to get married than guys who are more fiscally fit. That’s because doing grown-up things, like making your car payments on time, tells women that you’re responsible enough to raise a family, and because both having a wedding and feeding a baby simply require a hefty reserve of cash, writes study author Daniel Schneider, a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton.
Of course, a down economy means it’s harder than ever for guys to get their post-college financial life in order. But here’s how an eligible bachelor can make the most of what he’s earning and keep his personal wealth in the black.
1. Pay Off Your Credit Cards
According to student loan giant Sallie Mae, half the undergrads in America had a credit card in 2008, up from 32 percent in 2000. “Since the big banks are tight-fisted with loans in the current economy, pay off your credit card balance with a lower-interest loan from a small community bank or credit union, ” says Karen Blumenthal, author of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life. Find a credit union near you by searching the National Credit Union Administration.
2. Start an IRA
Though your 60s might seem like a far way off, it’s smart to start building for your retirement as soon as you land a job out of college. A Roth IRA lets you invest without having to pay a capital gains tax when you withdraw the money, and the big fees you’d have to pay for a pre-retirement withdrawal will keep you from dipping into your savings. Plus, “many inexpensive mutual funds will waive the minimum [fee] if you commit to investing a little each month, even if it’s only $50,” says Blumenthal. Look for a fund with a mix of around 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds to help cushion the volatile market.
3. Fine-Tune Your Cell Phone Plan
Want to find some extra cash? Websites like Validas and Billshrink analyze how you use your phone to help determine if you’re overspending on an unlimited data plan or should upgrade your text message limit. “Even if you’re in the middle of your contract, you can upgrade or downgrade your carrier’s plan without any penalties,” Blumenthal says.
4. Cut Excess Spending
You shouldn’t be staring at a single-digit checking account balance every month wondering, “Where did all my money go?” Many banks now let you use their websites to sort purchases made each month into categories like “food,” “utilities,” and “entertainment.” “If your bank doesn’t have that setup, you can sign up for a site like Mint.com that analyzes your spending for you,” says Blumenthal. Use the graphs to see if you really want the biggest slice of your paycheck buying HBO and Netflix and Hulu Plus and NFL Sunday Ticket. Spend Sundays at your buddy’s place instead—your wallet will thank you later.-Mens Health News:
A new study from Princeton University found that men who lack material wealth—particularly a car, a house, and financial assets like mutual funds—are less likely to get married than guys who are more fiscally fit. That’s because doing grown-up things, like making your car payments on time, tells women that you’re responsible enough to raise a family, and because both having a wedding and feeding a baby simply require a hefty reserve of cash, writes study author Daniel Schneider, a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton.
Of course, a down economy means it’s harder than ever for guys to get their post-college financial life in order. But here’s how an eligible bachelor can make the most of what he’s earning and keep his personal wealth in the black.
1. Pay Off Your Credit Cards
According to student loan giant Sallie Mae, half the undergrads in America had a credit card in 2008, up from 32 percent in 2000. “Since the big banks are tight-fisted with loans in the current economy, pay off your credit card balance with a lower-interest loan from a small community bank or credit union, ” says Karen Blumenthal, author of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life. Find a credit union near you by searching the National Credit Union Administration.
2. Start an IRA
Though your 60s might seem like a far way off, it’s smart to start building for your retirement as soon as you land a job out of college. A Roth IRA lets you invest without having to pay a capital gains tax when you withdraw the money, and the big fees you’d have to pay for a pre-retirement withdrawal will keep you from dipping into your savings. Plus, “many inexpensive mutual funds will waive the minimum [fee] if you commit to investing a little each month, even if it’s only $50,” says Blumenthal. Look for a fund with a mix of around 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds to help cushion the volatile market.
3. Fine-Tune Your Cell Phone Plan
Want to find some extra cash? Websites like Validas and Billshrink analyze how you use your phone to help determine if you’re overspending on an unlimited data plan or should upgrade your text message limit. “Even if you’re in the middle of your contract, you can upgrade or downgrade your carrier’s plan without any penalties,” Blumenthal says.
4. Cut Excess Spending
You shouldn’t be staring at a single-digit checking account balance every month wondering, “Where did all my money go?” Many banks now let you use their websites to sort purchases made each month into categories like “food,” “utilities,” and “entertainment.” “If your bank doesn’t have that setup, you can sign up for a site like Mint.com that analyzes your spending for you,” says Blumenthal. Use the graphs to see if you really want the biggest slice of your paycheck buying HBO and Netflix and Hulu Plus and NFL Sunday Ticket. Spend Sundays at your buddy’s place instead—your wallet will thank you later.-Mens Health News:
UK Requirements for Filipino Job Applicants
This was revealed by recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said Filipino professionals like scientists, environmental specialists, information technology and telecoms specialists, health care workers, teachers, marketing executives, and social care personnel “are still in the wanted list” in the UK. But he said the entry of qualified applicants into the Kingdom would depend on the points-based system introduced by its Borders and Immigration System in 2008. It requires that overseas nationals wanting to enter the UK undergo a managed immigration program with a five-tier system.
“This means depending on the category of (the) visa, you will be permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, establish a business, invests or be self-employed,” he said.
Under the Tier 1 permit system, highly skilled individuals like engineers, information technology specialists, and marketing professionals would not be required to have job offers before filing for an application to enter the UK.
“It is your credentials that are assessed and if you have 75 points accumulated then you are qualified to apply for a Tier 1 visa. Points are based on age, experience, academic degrees like PhDs or Masters, and present income of from 18,000 to 40,000 British pounds,” he said.
He added that the worker must be proficient in the English language and can support himself or herself and any dependents without using public funds.
If an applicant is successful, he or she would have the right to immigrate to the Kingdom and have full and free access to the UK employment market.
Under Tier 2, teachers, nurses, and engineers may qualify. But under this category, a job offer or a sponsor registered with the UK Border Agency is necessary to process the application.
Applicants under this should have a minimum of 70 points in skills assessment and must have a score of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System. A job in the shortage occupation list, qualifications like Bachelor, Masters, and PhD degrees, and income also gain them additional points.
Geslani said Tier 2 visas would offer successful applicants a “potential route” for a permanent settlement in the UK, wherein they can become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and a path to British citizenship after five years.
Dependents like spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and/or dependent children below 18 would also be allowed to join the worker as long as he or she is capable of supporting them.
On the other hand, low-skilled workers or seasonal types of work would fall under Tier 3 while international games participants, church workers, and charity volunteer fall under Tier 5. Visas for both categories only allow a limited period of stay.
Tier 4 visas are likewise not intended as a route to residency in the UK or British naturalization but it would provide qualified applicants the possibility of transferring to a work permit under Tier 2.
“The fastest route available for Filipino health care workers, dentists, pharmacists, HRM graduates who want to reach the UK is through the Tier 4 student visa category, which requires the educational institution to accept the student,” said Geslani.
Under the student work program introduced by international job consultancies, more than 4,000 Filipinos have been granted student visas since 2008.
The UK Border Agency has, meanwhile, said that it will intensify its drive against fraudulent visa applications in the Philippines.
“This means depending on the category of (the) visa, you will be permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, establish a business, invests or be self-employed,” he said.
Under the Tier 1 permit system, highly skilled individuals like engineers, information technology specialists, and marketing professionals would not be required to have job offers before filing for an application to enter the UK.
“It is your credentials that are assessed and if you have 75 points accumulated then you are qualified to apply for a Tier 1 visa. Points are based on age, experience, academic degrees like PhDs or Masters, and present income of from 18,000 to 40,000 British pounds,” he said.
He added that the worker must be proficient in the English language and can support himself or herself and any dependents without using public funds.
If an applicant is successful, he or she would have the right to immigrate to the Kingdom and have full and free access to the UK employment market.
Under Tier 2, teachers, nurses, and engineers may qualify. But under this category, a job offer or a sponsor registered with the UK Border Agency is necessary to process the application.
Applicants under this should have a minimum of 70 points in skills assessment and must have a score of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System. A job in the shortage occupation list, qualifications like Bachelor, Masters, and PhD degrees, and income also gain them additional points.
Geslani said Tier 2 visas would offer successful applicants a “potential route” for a permanent settlement in the UK, wherein they can become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and a path to British citizenship after five years.
Dependents like spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and/or dependent children below 18 would also be allowed to join the worker as long as he or she is capable of supporting them.
On the other hand, low-skilled workers or seasonal types of work would fall under Tier 3 while international games participants, church workers, and charity volunteer fall under Tier 5. Visas for both categories only allow a limited period of stay.
Tier 4 visas are likewise not intended as a route to residency in the UK or British naturalization but it would provide qualified applicants the possibility of transferring to a work permit under Tier 2.
“The fastest route available for Filipino health care workers, dentists, pharmacists, HRM graduates who want to reach the UK is through the Tier 4 student visa category, which requires the educational institution to accept the student,” said Geslani.
Under the student work program introduced by international job consultancies, more than 4,000 Filipinos have been granted student visas since 2008.
The UK Border Agency has, meanwhile, said that it will intensify its drive against fraudulent visa applications in the Philippines.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
HIRAP NG MARINO
By Nepthali Paraiso
Sa aming paglalayag sa malayong dagat
Parang nangawala mga tao sa barko
Dahil ba sa lakas, ng along sumasambulat
Sa aming barko, ang mga tao’y nahihilo
Lumabas ng Scotland, panaho’y ‘di kay inam
At sa pagdating ng lugar, agad masimulan
Kaya naman lahat kami’y, animo’y nagkasakit
Nagsusuka, nahihilo, nagtulog sa kanya kanyang kwarto
Kaya’t inyong mapapapansin sa messhall namin
Sobrang daming pagkain, kakonti lang ng kumain
Garlic bread at spaghetti na aking kinain
Sa kinahapunan ay isinuka rin
Buti pa ang iba’y may panahong umidlip
Di ko naman maiwanan, itong opisinang pinagbilinan
Maging ang aking kwarto, ngayo’y may kasama na ako
Siyang natutulog at panggabi sa trabaho
Hindi na ko kumain, ng gabing iyon
Di mapalagay, hirap ang katawan
Kailangan ng lakas, kailangang lumaban
Kumain ng biscuit, konting ubas at tubig
Kaya’t ako’y dumalangin, kami’y pagpalain
Gabay at kalakasan, sa kinabukasan ay taglay
Panahon ay maging maayos, maging ang karagatan
Matapos ang proyekto ng walang peligro
Sa aming paglalayag sa malayong dagat
Parang nangawala mga tao sa barko
Dahil ba sa lakas, ng along sumasambulat
Sa aming barko, ang mga tao’y nahihilo
Lumabas ng Scotland, panaho’y ‘di kay inam
At sa pagdating ng lugar, agad masimulan
Kaya naman lahat kami’y, animo’y nagkasakit
Nagsusuka, nahihilo, nagtulog sa kanya kanyang kwarto
Kaya’t inyong mapapapansin sa messhall namin
Sobrang daming pagkain, kakonti lang ng kumain
Garlic bread at spaghetti na aking kinain
Sa kinahapunan ay isinuka rin
Buti pa ang iba’y may panahong umidlip
Di ko naman maiwanan, itong opisinang pinagbilinan
Maging ang aking kwarto, ngayo’y may kasama na ako
Siyang natutulog at panggabi sa trabaho
Hindi na ko kumain, ng gabing iyon
Di mapalagay, hirap ang katawan
Kailangan ng lakas, kailangang lumaban
Kumain ng biscuit, konting ubas at tubig
Kaya’t ako’y dumalangin, kami’y pagpalain
Gabay at kalakasan, sa kinabukasan ay taglay
Panahon ay maging maayos, maging ang karagatan
Matapos ang proyekto ng walang peligro
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Countries Filipinos Can Visit Without a Tourist Visa
Countries in Asia
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Brunei Up to 14 days none found +63-2-816-2836
+63-2-816-2837
Cambodia Up to 21 days Homepage
+63-2-818-9981
+63-2-810-1896
Hong Kong Up to 14 days Visa requirement page (See Table)
Indonesia Up to 30 days Visa exemption page
+63-2-892-5061
Israel Up to 90 days Visa exemption PDF
+63-2-894-0441
+63-2-894-0443
Laos Up to 30 days Exemption table
+63-2-852-5759
+63-2-852-5979
Macau Up to 30 days Visa free countries
webmaster@macau-embassy.org (US)
Malaysia Up to 30 days Requirement table
(632) 864 0761 To 68
Mongolia Up to 21 days List of countries with no visa
esyam@mongolianembassy.us
Singapore Up to 30 days Philippines is not listed in the countries requiring entry visa
63-(2)-856 9922
Thailand Up to 30 days Visa-fee exemptions page
63-(2)-815-4221
Vietnam Up to 21 days Visa exemption page
63-(2)-525 283763-(2)-521 6843
Countries in South America
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Bolivia
Up to 30 days Info page (Spanish)
None
Brazil 90 days Exemption List
+63-2-845-3651
+63-2-845-3654
+63-2-845-3655
+63-2-845-3662
+63-2-845-3668
+63-917-574-4513
Colombia Up to 90 days List of exempted countries (Filipinas)
+63-2-911-3101
Ecuador 90 days Embassy in US homepage
+63-2-8700-100
Peru Up to 183 days See Filipinas
+63-2-813-8731
+63-2-813-8732
+63-2-813-8733
Suriname Up to 90 days Check the list at the bottom
esuriname@covad.net (US)
Countries in Africa
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Morocco Up to 90 days Visa application page(see countries that do no need a visa) Consulate Office+63-8191686
+63-8866178
+63-8896170
+63-8896181
Saint Helena Up to 90 days none found was@minbuza.nl (US)
Seychelles Up to 30 days US website
63-(2)-631-6075
Tuvalu Up to 90 days Consulate of Tuvalu on Singapore
tuvalu@onecommonwealth.org (US)
Countries in North America
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Costa Rica Up to 30 days Country list (click Philippines)
+63-2-818-6740
+63-2-816-7851
Haiti Up to 90 days Embassy of Haiti in US
embassy@haiti.org (US)
Saint Vincent Grenadines Up to 30 days Website
mail@embsvg.com (US)
Country in Europe
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Kosovo Unlimited for valid passport Site of embassy in the US
embassy.usa@ks-gov.net (US)
Countries in Oceania
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Fiji Up to 120 days Visitor visa page (see exemptions) +852-375-1618 (Hong Kong)
Micronesia Up to 21 days Country list of requirements
(202) 223-4383 (US)
Nauru Up to 30 days none found none found
Niue Up to 30 days none found none found
Palau Up to 30 days US embassy website
+63-2-817-9666
Pitcairn Islands Up to 14 days (entry permit of $30) Information
admin@pitcairn.gov.pn (New Zealand)
Samoa Up to 60 days none found no contact info found
Tuvalu Up to 90 days Consulate of Tuvalu on Singapore
tuvalu@onecommonwealth.org (US)
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Brunei Up to 14 days none found +63-2-816-2836
+63-2-816-2837
Cambodia Up to 21 days Homepage
+63-2-818-9981
+63-2-810-1896
Hong Kong Up to 14 days Visa requirement page (See Table)
Indonesia Up to 30 days Visa exemption page
+63-2-892-5061
Israel Up to 90 days Visa exemption PDF
+63-2-894-0441
+63-2-894-0443
Laos Up to 30 days Exemption table
+63-2-852-5759
+63-2-852-5979
Macau Up to 30 days Visa free countries
webmaster@macau-embassy.org (US)
Malaysia Up to 30 days Requirement table
(632) 864 0761 To 68
Mongolia Up to 21 days List of countries with no visa
esyam@mongolianembassy.us
Singapore Up to 30 days Philippines is not listed in the countries requiring entry visa
63-(2)-856 9922
Thailand Up to 30 days Visa-fee exemptions page
63-(2)-815-4221
Vietnam Up to 21 days Visa exemption page
63-(2)-525 283763-(2)-521 6843
Countries in South America
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Bolivia
Up to 30 days Info page (Spanish)
None
Brazil 90 days Exemption List
+63-2-845-3651
+63-2-845-3654
+63-2-845-3655
+63-2-845-3662
+63-2-845-3668
+63-917-574-4513
Colombia Up to 90 days List of exempted countries (Filipinas)
+63-2-911-3101
Ecuador 90 days Embassy in US homepage
+63-2-8700-100
Peru Up to 183 days See Filipinas
+63-2-813-8731
+63-2-813-8732
+63-2-813-8733
Suriname Up to 90 days Check the list at the bottom
esuriname@covad.net (US)
Countries in Africa
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Morocco Up to 90 days Visa application page(see countries that do no need a visa) Consulate Office+63-8191686
+63-8866178
+63-8896170
+63-8896181
Saint Helena Up to 90 days none found was@minbuza.nl (US)
Seychelles Up to 30 days US website
63-(2)-631-6075
Tuvalu Up to 90 days Consulate of Tuvalu on Singapore
tuvalu@onecommonwealth.org (US)
Countries in North America
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Costa Rica Up to 30 days Country list (click Philippines)
+63-2-818-6740
+63-2-816-7851
Haiti Up to 90 days Embassy of Haiti in US
embassy@haiti.org (US)
Saint Vincent Grenadines Up to 30 days Website
mail@embsvg.com (US)
Country in Europe
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Kosovo Unlimited for valid passport Site of embassy in the US
embassy.usa@ks-gov.net (US)
Countries in Oceania
Country No. of days allowed Official Webpage Embassy Phone Numbers in the Philippines
Fiji Up to 120 days Visitor visa page (see exemptions) +852-375-1618 (Hong Kong)
Micronesia Up to 21 days Country list of requirements
(202) 223-4383 (US)
Nauru Up to 30 days none found none found
Niue Up to 30 days none found none found
Palau Up to 30 days US embassy website
+63-2-817-9666
Pitcairn Islands Up to 14 days (entry permit of $30) Information
admin@pitcairn.gov.pn (New Zealand)
Samoa Up to 60 days none found no contact info found
Tuvalu Up to 90 days Consulate of Tuvalu on Singapore
tuvalu@onecommonwealth.org (US)
Filipino caregivers protest new immigration law in UK
Filipino caregivers protest new immigration law in UK
HP - Tue, October 25, 2011 8:07 PM
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Kingdom met several British lawmakers last week to protest a new immigration law that would disallow thousands of lowly paid migrant caregivers from settling in the UK after five years of work.
At the three-hour meeting at the House of Commons at Westminster in London, OFWs led by the Kanlugan Alliance of Filipino Organizations, relayed to Members of Parliament their concerns about a new policy by the UK Border Agency not to renew visas for anyone who was not being paid the minimum hourly rate of 7.02 pounds (about P486) set for senior care workers.
"The UK will need skilled migrant care workers for the foreseeable future. Skilled migrant care workers are hardworking families. Settlement is one of the main reasons why they come to Britain. It's unfair to change immigration rules for people already settled who've planned for their lives. Salary level should not determine who settles," Kanlungan said in a statement.
Kanlungan leaders and representatives from other groups such as the Migrant Rights Network and the Unison also met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration.
The OFWs said the new policy was discriminatory because visas had already been issued to other migrant workers who are paid lower rates and who had worked legally for five years in the UK.
Kanlungan project staff Jamima Fagta, in an email to the Inquirer from London, said two caregivers, Lourdes Dizon Somera and Gundelina Ramirez shared their difficulties in obtaining their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) document, which would allow them to live in the UK after five years of work.
The two explained to lawmakers how immigration rules affect them and their families, their work and the community as a whole.
Somera, who went to the UK five years ago to work and support her family and her younger siblings back home, said she was "devastated" when her application for ILR was rejected.
Somera also recounted how she had come to love her work of caring for her wards, since she is an orphan. "It is a mixture of joy and hard work being a caregiver...I have personal empathy with them so it is fulfilling when I deliver the care...It is as if I am caring of my own parents."
If she fails to get her ILR, Somera would have to leave UK, together with her two-year old son, who was born in London.
Fagta said the audience was "moved" by the OFWs' personal stories, adding, "If we were only given ample time, all of the senior caregivers in that room could have shared the same agony."
The OFWs, she said, appealed to the MPs to hold a parliament debate on the matter.
"The response was positive but we need to work together to achieve this," Fagta said. - Yahoo News:
HP - Tue, October 25, 2011 8:07 PM
Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Kingdom met several British lawmakers last week to protest a new immigration law that would disallow thousands of lowly paid migrant caregivers from settling in the UK after five years of work.
At the three-hour meeting at the House of Commons at Westminster in London, OFWs led by the Kanlugan Alliance of Filipino Organizations, relayed to Members of Parliament their concerns about a new policy by the UK Border Agency not to renew visas for anyone who was not being paid the minimum hourly rate of 7.02 pounds (about P486) set for senior care workers.
"The UK will need skilled migrant care workers for the foreseeable future. Skilled migrant care workers are hardworking families. Settlement is one of the main reasons why they come to Britain. It's unfair to change immigration rules for people already settled who've planned for their lives. Salary level should not determine who settles," Kanlungan said in a statement.
Kanlungan leaders and representatives from other groups such as the Migrant Rights Network and the Unison also met with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration.
The OFWs said the new policy was discriminatory because visas had already been issued to other migrant workers who are paid lower rates and who had worked legally for five years in the UK.
Kanlungan project staff Jamima Fagta, in an email to the Inquirer from London, said two caregivers, Lourdes Dizon Somera and Gundelina Ramirez shared their difficulties in obtaining their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) document, which would allow them to live in the UK after five years of work.
The two explained to lawmakers how immigration rules affect them and their families, their work and the community as a whole.
Somera, who went to the UK five years ago to work and support her family and her younger siblings back home, said she was "devastated" when her application for ILR was rejected.
Somera also recounted how she had come to love her work of caring for her wards, since she is an orphan. "It is a mixture of joy and hard work being a caregiver...I have personal empathy with them so it is fulfilling when I deliver the care...It is as if I am caring of my own parents."
If she fails to get her ILR, Somera would have to leave UK, together with her two-year old son, who was born in London.
Fagta said the audience was "moved" by the OFWs' personal stories, adding, "If we were only given ample time, all of the senior caregivers in that room could have shared the same agony."
The OFWs, she said, appealed to the MPs to hold a parliament debate on the matter.
"The response was positive but we need to work together to achieve this," Fagta said. - Yahoo News:
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