Getting stuck at NAIA Airport in Manila

Every traveler’s nightmare, right? There you are, about to check in for your flight to Australia. Passports in one hand, lovely Filipina lady and possibly children in the other…..and Philippines Immigration tell you that you can’t leave! Imagine how you would feel if your Australian children were prevented from leaving Philippines and going to their new home in Australia?

Thinking about it, for some reason no matter how guiltless you are, you always feel a bit nervous when going through Immigration in Manila. I know I do. Always imagining what would I do if they suddenly said there was something wrong? I had a few close calls with Philippines Immigration with a sweat-stained passport back in the 90’s, and was warned that I could get stopped because I already looked like an suspicious middle-eastern person (when my hair and beard were jet-black and I lacked the snowy charm I have now) if I didn’t update it.

Chris and Vanessa – the Journey from Philippines to Australia

Yes, we have another video today from Chris and Vanessa, along with Conrad and Celeste. CLICK BELOW! They found themselves stuck, because Philippines-born children even with Australian Citizenship By Descent are required to have an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Bureau of Immigration before they may exit the first time. Well, guess what? In their rush to get things organised, they didn’t get these.

Many of you could imagine yourselves in that situation, and could picture stepping up and taking charge! Yes, I have to admit I also become a bit of an Alpha Male in situations like that, or at least I used to. I would demand to see supervisors, managers, etc and use my loud voice to make sure I’m not being ignored, and that would include Philippines Immigration officers. But it works better I find when wisdom and patience prevail, especially in the Philippines. Chris is even older than me, and probably a bit calmer. And he’s also spent a lot of time in the Philippines and knows the ropes very very well.

How to deal effectively with Filipino officials

Meant respectfully. Not meant as “How to show ’em who’s boss”. Not at all. THEY are the bosses. Whether it’s Philippines Immigration, the PNP (Police), or someone in charge in a Philippines Government office. THEY are the ones with authority, and it’s their country after all. The Philippines has every right to set its own laws, and visitors to a country should obey those laws and to act with courtesy. Not only that, but you will hopefully learn to understand two important aspects of Filipino culture.

Shouting at people….raising your voice….insulting them and embarrassing them publicly? It gets a very bad result. It upsets people, and it doesn’t grease the squeaky wheels at all!
Filipinos are a very kind people, and if approached with courtesy and respect will tend to be much kinder than their Aussie counterparts would ever be!

The “secret”…..which worked for Chris, and has worked for me on many occasions…..is to appeal to the better nature of that person in charge, and to rely on the kind heart which they more than likely have. Let them understand the human side of it, and let them know how hard it is to bring kids to the airport only to have to turn around and leave again.

This happens at airports, NBI offices, courthouses….everywhere. I have a problem with my back which causes me pain and makes mobility difficult. I’ve seen people do remarkable things to help me out. My mother (RIP) when she would visit, being the independent and cranky little Aussie battler that she was, would have difficulty coping with being wheeled about in a wheelchair and having her bags carried for her. I had to tell her she had no choice. So please enjoy the video and see how others are coping with the same journey you and your Filipina lady and new family are coping with. And please share with partners and other interested friends.

Free online visa assessment form from Down Under Visa

COVID CONCERNS? From 21 Feb 2022 the Australian border will be open. You just need a visa and to be double-vaxed! Click above and get a free assessment!

Jeff Harvie is a Registered Migration Agent from Australia, but resident in Philippines since 2010 with his Filipina wife Mila and large extended family. Experienced with the Philippines culture, cross-cultural relationships and bureaucracy as well as Australian visas and Australian Migration Law, he writes with authority and fortunately with enough informality and humour that the average Aussie gets it!

1 Comment

V.A.G. on 22/05/2019 at 5:34 pm

This could be very disappointing, imagine being ready and all when suddenly they will just say that we can’t leave.

Questions: Please search our BLOG menu or Visa Knowledge Base

Submit a Comment
NOTE: Please restrict your comments to what's written on this page.
PLEASE NOTE: You may comment on posts, and you may ask general questions about the visa topic. However requests for “how-to?” information on how to lodge visas or how to deal with specific problems will not be answered. Please engage the services of a professional Registered Migration Agent for actual assistance or advice. Thank you.
Cancel reply

Questions about visa types we don’t handle, or about countries we don’t apply for visas from, will not be answered, Philippines to Australia visas for couples and families only.

Do you have suggestions for topics you would like to read an article about? Click HERE and we will see what we can do!