Visa-exempt travel for Indian nationals in the Philippines: Delight for Indian expatriates in the UAE married to Filipino partners at the new travel policy.
Revamped Version
Philippines Opens Doors to Indian Spouses and Travelers in the UAE
It's a joyous day for Indian expats in the UAE wed to Filipino partners, as the Philippines rolls out its new visa-free entry policy for Indian passport holders, effective as of today, June 8.
Under this policy, Indian citizens can breeze into the Philippines sans a visa for up to 14 days, provided they adhere to specific prerequisites. Details for the travel-friendly update were shared in a travel advisory issued by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate in Dubai.
Eligible Indians must possess a passport valid for at least six months post their stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, evidence of financial stability, and a confirmed return or onward ticket to another nation.
Those Indians boasting valid visas or residence permits from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen states, Singapore, or the UK (AJACSSUK countries) may enjoy an extended visa-free stay of up to 30 days! The measures aim to fuel tourism and build stronger bilateral relations between India and the Philippines.
A Step Forward for Ties
Indian partners of Filipinos top the list of beneficiaries for this move.
Some UAE-based lovebirds chatted with Gulf News, stating their thrill about the policy simplifying travel not only for vacationers but for families and fostering cultural and personal connections between the two countries.
Ajman resident Ravi Karumat, in a heart-warming gesture, declared the decision highly personal for him. "Being partnered with a Philippines native like my bewitching spouse, this decision holds immense significance for us," he shared. "It's definitely handy for those who rush to travel to attend emergencies or important family events back in the Philippines."
Karumat belongs to the community named Phil-India United, encompassing over 25 Indian nationals wedded to Filipina spouses.
"We've all run into hassles obtaining visit visas at some point, dealing with delays and queues during working hours," he reminisced. He recounted a touching tale of a Filipina pal who took Indian nationality after marrying an Indian but missed her dad's funeral in the Philippines owing to visa woes.
Stress-free Jaunts
Varun Harry and Rachelle Ann Bonsol Harry, fellow members of the Indian-Filipino community in the UAE, hailed the development as a reason to pop champagne bottles. "As a union of Indian and Filipino souls, this is a wholesome surprise! With fewer visa anxieties, we can now effortlessly visit loved ones, create precious memories, and spend quality time together," they exclaimed, thanking the Philippine government for its thoughtful move.
Pramod, an assistant sales manager in Sharjah, and his wife Imma Joyce, an accountant, also voiced their enthusiasm over the change. "This new visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals is a breath of fresh air. Previously, the visa application process was a drawn-out affair and confusing," Pramod shared, expressing hope that the new rules will facilitate family visits to the Philippines.
Long-Term Aspirations?
Meanwhile, Sandeep Kurup and his wife Mary Joy Kurup, a couple since April 2011, pointed out that although the new policy is a great step forward, it still fails to tackle long-term visa hurdles for spouses. "I've visited the Philippines just twice, both times on a 30-day tourist visa. The cost isn't exactly steep, but the process is agonizingly lengthy for something as straightforward as a tourist visa, even for spouses of Filipinos," shared Sandeep, suggesting that something like India's Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme for foreign spouses could be a lasting solution.
Embrace the Emotions,
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- The updated travel policy in the Philippines is not just beneficial for vacationers but also for families, particularly Indian spouses of Filipinos, as it simplifies travel and fosters cultural and personal connections between the two countries.
- The relaxed visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens allows them to stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days if they hold valid visas or residence permits from certain countries, such as the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen states, Singapore, or the UK (AJACSSUK countries).
- While the new policy is a significant step forward for Indian-Filipino couples, long-term visa hurdles for spouses still remain unaddressed, with some suggesting that a scheme like India's Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) for foreign spouses could provide a lasting solution.
