Travel to be easier for Indian spouses and children of Filipinos, say UAE-based couples
Dubai: Indian expats in the UAE married to Filipino spouses have warmly welcomed the Philippines’ new visa-free entry policy for Indian passport holders, which comes into effect from today, June 8.
The new policy allows Indian nationals to enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days, provided they meet specific requirements, according to a travel advisory issued by the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate in Dubai.
To qualify, Indian travellers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, proof of financial capacity, and a return or onward ticket to another country.
In addition, Indian nationals who hold valid visas or residence permits from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen states, Singapore, or the UK (AJACSSUK countries) are eligible for a longer visa-free stay of up to 30 days. The move aims to boost tourism and deepen bilateral ties between India and the Philippines.
Indians married to Filipinos are among the biggest beneficiaries of the initiative.
Some UAE-based couples told Gulf News that the policy is a welcome step towards easing travel not only for tourists but also for families, while fostering stronger cultural and personal connections between the two nations.
Ravi Karumat, a resident of Ajman married to Jonalyn, said the decision holds immense personal meaning.
“As someone whose family is deeply connected to the Philippines—my wife, being from that wonderful country—this decision is truly meaningful for us,” he said.
“This new rule is certainly helpful for those who rush to travel on emergency to visit or attend important functions that happen in the family, back in the Philippines.”
Karumat is part of a community called Phil-India United, which comprises more than 25 Indian nationals married to Filipina spouses.
“All of us have faced challenges obtaining visit visas at one point or another, often dealing with delays and long queues at the consulate during working hours,” he said.
He recalled an incident when a Filipina friend, who had taken Indian citizenship after marrying an Indian, was unable to attend her father’s funeral in the Philippines because she couldn’t get a visa in time.
Trips sans stress
Varun Harry and Rachelle Ann Bonsol Harry, also part of the Indian-Filipino community in the UAE, said the development was cause for celebration.
“As an Indian-Filipino couple, this means the world to us. It is now so much easier for us to visit family, spend time with loved ones, and create new memories—without the visa stress,” they said.
Thanking the Philippine government for the thoughtful move, they added: “It truly brings families closer and makes our hearts full.”
Pramod, an area sales manager in Sharjah, and his wife Imma Joyce, an assistant accountant, also welcomed the move.
“The new visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals is a welcome change. Previously, the visa process took almost a month and was complicated. This change will make it easier for us and our family to visit the Philippines,” Pramod said.
A permanent solution?
Meanwhile, Sandeep Kurup and his wife Mary Joy Kurup, who have been married since April 2011, pointed out that despite the new policy, long-term visa challenges still exist for spouses.
“I have only visited the Philippines twice, both on a 30-day tourist visa. The cost is not that much, but the process is too hectic and time-consuming for a simple tourist visa. Even if you are a spouse of a Filipino, it takes at least 30 days,” Sandeep said.
He added that the new 14-day visa-free entry could help ease the long waiting times that travellers previously endured. While the initiative is a relief for tourists and families, he believes a more lasting solution is needed for Filipino Indian couples.
“Those married to Filipino nationals would benefit more from a long-term option—something similar to India’s Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme for foreign spouses,” he said.
Source: Gulf News
