RP may revoke visa policy for Schengen nations

The Philippines might revoke its 21-day, no-visa policy for Western Europeans in retaliation for the Schengen countries’ decision to subject Filipinos to special screening procedures when applying for a Schengen visa, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said yesterday.

The Schengen countries refused to divulge the list of 24 countries whose nationals will be scrutinized before being given a Schengen visa, which allows the bearer to move freely in all countries that signed the Schengen treaty.

The DFA official said there was no proof the no-visa entry increased the number of tourists arriving from Western Europe.

"The increase in tourist arrivals is from Taiwan, Japan, China and South Korea, which we require to secure a visa before enjoying the country," the official said.

The Philippine government has been foregoing a large source of revenue by implementing the 21-day, no-visa rule for Western Europeans, Americans and nationals of member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The DFA official said the policy, which has been in effect for 20 years, did not encourage these foreign nationals to visit the Philippines.

Aside from avoiding screening, tourists who enter the country without a visa tend to overstay and take advantage of the no-visa rule should they decide to re-enter the country.

"With the visa, we are assured (of) getting... quality tourists, while the ones who come in without a visa can be pedophiles and prostitutes," the DFA official said.

With present security concerns brought about by terrorism, the official said the government should review its policies on visa issuances.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople earlier said the Philippines would not hesitate to impose a reciprocal policy against Schengen countries to uphold national dignity.

Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Norway and Iceland are not members of the European Union.

The Schengen treaty does not cover settling and working in another country.