A legitimate child traveling abroad with any one of the biological parents is not required to secure a travel clearance, according to a senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Kapag po one of the biological parents is traveling with the [legitimate] minor. So, kung kayo po ay nagta-travel na kasama ‘yung magulang, hindi na po kailangan ng travel clearance or certificate of exemption,” Assistant Secretary Ada Colico explained when asked by DZXL on Tuesday (March 25) on who are not required to apply for a travel clearance.
The issuance of travel clearance is one of the Department’s statutory services which ensures that a minor traveling abroad is protected from possible trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.
Based on the DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 22, Series of 2024 titled Guidelines in the Implementation of the Digitized Travel Clearance for Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA), there are other circumstances where a minor is not required to secure a travel clearance.
These are when the child is accompanied by the biological mother, if the minor is illegitimate;
the minor’s father who has been granted sole parental custody or custody by the proper court, if the minor is illegitimate; the minor’s legal guardian.
A child who is traveling with the adoptive parents with adoption decree and Certificate of finality is not also required to apply for a travel clearance.
For those required to secure a travel clearance for a minor traveling abroad alone or with companion other than the parents, Asst. Secretary Colico said the DSWD issues the travel clearance only through the agency’s newly-launched online Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) portal.
Asst. Secretary Colico told DZXL that the issuance of a travel clearance has been a regular service of the DSWD.
“Matagal na po na tayo ay talagang sine-secure natin ang travel permit, kapag nagta-travel ang mga bata or minor without the parent, to secure the welfare and the best interest of the child, na hindi sila ma-exploit or ma-subject to human trafficking or any kinds of abuse. Iyon po ang ating prevention side para ma-prevent natin yung hindi magandang pangyayari kapag ita-travel natin sa ibang bansa ang minor,” Asst. Secretary Colico explained.
Under the new online system, stricter security measures are incorporated such as the requirement for the presence of the parent, legal guardian or the accompanying adult during the online interview for the assessment of the travel permit application.
The DSWD official, however, assured the public that the online MTA system makes the processing of the travel clearance easier, more accessible in the comforts of their homes. The applicants are also free to set their own online interview schedule.
“Mas pinadali, at the comfort of their homes, pwedeng-pwede na pong mag apply ng travel clearance o travel permit ng ating minors who are traveling abroad. Before kasi sa ating manual (processing), kailangan nilang magpunta sa kanya-kanyang Field Offices. But this time, anytime, anywhere, they can apply for the travel clearance of the child,” Asst. Secretary Colico said.
Considering the full transition to online processing through the online MTA system, the DSWD has instructional how-to-videos regarding its use which are available on the agency’s official website and social media accounts.
The DSWD also welcomes any inquiry and request for orientation. (GDVF)