09 March 2005 – The Department of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Rabat is currently assisting in the repatriation of two Filipinas who were detained by Moroccan immigration officials for attempting to enter Europe without the proper visas.   The Department issued this report as it warned Filipinos who intend to work in Europe to beware of illegal recruiters promising non-existent jobs in Europe, particularly in Spain, France, and Italy, by entering the continent through Morocco.  The Department issues this warning following the advisory of the Philippine Embassy in Madrid.

In a report to the Department, Philippine Ambassador to Spain Joseph D. Bernardo y Medina said  “all prospective Europe-bound Filipinos are reminded that they should always secure their valid Schengen visas from the concerned European Embassies prior to leaving the Philippines.”   Ambassador Bernardo y Medina added that  “Filipinos can enter Morocco without a visa for three months, but still need valid visas to enter the Schengen area by way of Morocco,” he added.

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid issued the warning after the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Casablanca reported that two Filipinas were apprehended on 21 February 2005 in the northern Moroccan city of Tetouan, while attempting to across over to the Spanish city of Ceuta.
 
According to the Honorary Consulate, a certain Ricardo Polos, a Filipino based in Rabat, allegedly recruited the two Filipinas whom they allegedly paid P375,000 each.  When they arrived in Morocco, their valid Philippine passports were kept by the Moroccan accomplice of Mr. Polos who accompanied the Filipinas until the border of Tetouan and Ceuta.  The Moroccan deserted the Filipinas leaving them at the mercy of the Moroccan and Spanish border officials. The Honorary Consulate is
 in regular contact with the Filipinas detained in Tetouan, while closely coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Madrid for their early repatriation.

Ambassador Bernardo y Medina reiterated his appeal to all Filipinos not to be lured by illegal recruiters with promises of jobs by way of Morocco, adding  that the two Filipinas have so far been lucky as compared to other illegal immigrants who were made to board makeshift boats for the 30 kilometer-five day voyage on open sea.   The Ambassador said that many of these boats are washed ashore and illegal immigrant passengers have drowned before reaching the Spanish coasts.   If the boats made it ashore, Spanish coast guards intercept them  before being repatriated to their countries of origin. END
 
 

/jay